MANILA - Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday denied gambling operator Charlie "Atong" Ang's claims he and other officials are plotting to kill Ang.

"I categorically deny all the accusations of Atong Ang for being complete fabrications,” Aguirre said in a statement.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ang asked for protection from President Duterte as he accused Aguirre, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, and members of Philippine Military Academy Class (PMA) ’82 of wanting to liquidate him.

Ang said the officials wanted to weaken the virtual jai alai operations of Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation, where he is general manager, in order to promote Small Time Lottery (STL).

Ang said he wanted to make the threats public, in the event that anything should happen to him.

He said he will divulge more names in a legislative inquiry, including that of a congressman who allegedly serves as Aguirre’s "bagman."

The justice chief, for his part, said he was ready to face any probe.

“I am ready to face any kind of investigation that might be conducted, be it legislative, criminal or administrative. I am not afraid as I have nothing to hide. My conscience is clear,” Aguirre said.

Ang claimed Aguirre was taking part in STL operations through his brother, Engineer Ogie Aguirre.

The justice chief, Ang alleged, is using operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to “neutralize” him, as reportedly revealed to him by several of the bureau’s agents.

As for Esperon and members of PMA Class ’82, Ang claimed they are protectors of STL in the north and are demanding cuts from the operations.