JANUARY 16, 2026 — The scandal just got hotter. Four retired police generals are now under investigation for their alleged ties to fugitive businessman Atong Ang, the man long linked to the bloody sabong underworld and the mysterious disappearance of cockfighters. And if you think this is just another case of “old boys’ club” loyalty, think again — this is about power, money, and dangerous secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, “Ang mga bodyguards niya since 1988 to 2022, puro mga NBI or ex-NBI. Tapos ang ginamit niya para pumatay ng lahat ng missing sabungeros, mga PNP naman ... So, we will always consider him armed and dangerous hanggang makuha namin siya.” 

(His bodyguards from 1988 to 2022 were all NBI or ex-NBI. Then he used PNP men to kill all the missing cockfighters … So, we will always consider him armed and dangerous until we catch him.)

That’s a chilling picture: a fugitive kingpin with cops and agents in his pocket, and now retired generals suspected of staying close to him. Remulla admitted these men were Ang’s companions during the height of his cockpit and e-sabong empire — sharing meals, gambling together, living the high life. 

His warning? “Sinabihan namin na lumayo na sila, huwag na sila tumulong.” 

(We told them to stay away, not to help.)

Helping Ang isn’t just risky — it’s criminal. Retired or not, these generals could lose their pensions and face charges if proven to be harboring him. And with a P10-million bounty now on Ang’s head, Remulla believes the fugitive can’t simply buy his freedom anymore. 

“Yung P10 million na ‘yan ay sapat na para sa akin na mahihirapan siya nang husto na bilhin ang kanyang kalayaan,” the DILG chief said. 

(That P10 million is enough for me to believe he will struggle to buy his freedom.)

Cracks in the sabong underworld

Ang’s reputation for violence is no secret. Remulla recalled how Ang once slapped a congressman during a sabong dispute. 

“Tandaan ninyo, ang taong ito mainitin ang ulo … He has violent tendencies,” he warned. 

Armed, dangerous, and with resources to hire loyal bodyguards. But even loyalty has limits. 

“Nabibili ang loyalty, pero may hangganan ‘yan. May pamilya rin ang mga bodyguard niya,” warned Remulla. 

(Loyalty can be bought, but it has limits. His bodyguards also have families.)

So where does this leave us? With missing sabungeros, retired generals under probe, and a fugitive kingpin still at large, the public is left asking: How deep does this rabbit hole go, and how many more secrets are waiting to explode?

More importantly, how far can Atong Ang’s wealth and influence really go — when reputations, pensions, and a P10‑million reward are all on the line? 

(Image: Philippine News Agency)