Atong Ang faces probe after raids on gambling dens

May 1, 2017

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang will be investigated for possible criminal liabilities  following the recent raids in his gambling dens in Northern Luzon, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. Aguirre said Ang and Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. (MVGC) should be investigated for possible tax evasion. "I will ask the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) to determine tax liabilities of the operations of Ang and his companies," Aguirre said in text message Monday. Police raided the gambling dens of Meridien in Tuguegarao City and Enrile and Peñablanca towns last Thursday and Friday. 63 people allegedly involved in jueteng operations were arrested. Ang’s employee Edwin Articulo led the raiding team to a sport utility vehicle where jueteng was allegedly being drawn in Barangay Catayaoan, Lasam. Police also seized cash and computer units during the raid. Last week, a news report said Ang accused Aguirre and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. of plotting to kill him to eliminate jueteng to expand government's small-town lottery. Meridien, which secured a license to operate within the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority in Sta. Ana town, expanded its operations to Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Bicol. Aguirre denied the allegation. "Atong Ang should present evidence of his accusation and file the appropriate charges against me in court or any proper office. I know he cannot because there is absolutely no truth to his accusation," Aguirre said. DMS