The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is investigating a police operation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental that uncovered an illegal “e-sabong” (online cockfighting) facility that may be linked to fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has also ordered a probe into a police major’s possible ties to the e-sabong operation.

“Dalawa ang pinupuntahan ng investigation ng CIDG [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group]. ‘Yung possible link kay Atong Ang sa nasabing operations at ‘yun pong link naman ng nasabing police major kay Atong Ang bilang operator niya sa sinasabing e-sabong,” Tuaño said in a press briefing.

Thirty individuals were arrested during the CIDG raid on April 22.

CIDG spokesperson Major Helen dela Cruz said the Bacolod-based police major has been relieved and is now at the PNP headquarters for investigation. She said the major previously served as a CIDG provincial officer in the Negros Island Region.

The probe also covers a March 24 CIDG operation in Tondo, Manila that dismantled another alleged e-sabong site.

Courts in Laguna and Batangas have issued non-bailable warrants against Ang for kidnapping and serious illegal detention tied to the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.

Twenty of Ang’s co-accused are already in custody, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government is offering a P20-million reward for his arrest.

Tuaño said manhunt operations against Ang are ongoing. (PNA)