Aguirre orders NBI to probe agents with alleged links to Atong Ang

MANILA - Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe 5 of its agents who are alleged "protectors" of gambling operator Charlie "Atong" Ang.

Aguirre said he already has the identities of these agents and directed NBI Director Dante Gierran to investigate them.

"Totoo yun na mayroon NBI agents na mga tao niya, na kaibigan niya, nung nakaraan pa. Kilala ko sila… Pinaiimbestigahan ko yan and we will make the proper moves," Aguirre told reporters in a press conference Thursday.

Ang has alleged that NBI insiders, among other sources, have informed him of Aguirre and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon's plot to have him killed because of the head-on competition of his virtual jai alai operations and small time lotter (STL), where the two cabinet members allegedly have interests in.

He also alleged that Aguirre's involvement in STL is through his brother, Engr. Ogie Aguirre; Esperon and several members of the Philippine Military Academy's Class '82 allegedly also have a stake in the numbers game.

Aguirre and Esperon have categorically denied Ang's claims, with the justice chief explaining that Ang is resorting to dirty tactics because of the series of raids on his illegal gambling operations.

"Masama sa kanyang (Ang's) loob kasi yung invincibility niya pagdating sa illegal gambling ay wala na pala. Napakalaking dagok sa kanya yan kasi kumikita siya ng P10 million to P15 million per day," Aguirre said.

The justice chief also added that Ang wants to get back at him for ordering the closure of Chinese gambling tycoon's Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Pampanga where Ang is a consultant, and also because Ang suspects that he is behind the raids on his businesses.

"Gusto niyang makaganti sa akin kasi ako nag-order nung destruction ng billion peso gambling business ni Jack Lam, na admitted niya na siya ang consultant. Pangalawa, pinagbibintangan niya na ako ang nagpa-raid nung kanyang [business] sa Tuguegarao at tatlong bayan pa sa Cagayan," Aguirre said.

His brother, Ogie, is also not involved in STL operations, he added.

Aguirre said Ang's allegations are incredible based on his track record.

"Baka siya pwede pa [to issue threats] kasi siya pinagbintangan nung panahon ni Pangulong Erap na magpapapatay kay Chavit Singson," Aguirre said.

He also called out Ang for the latter's alleged illegal gambling operations and evasion of payment of taxes due government.

"Sapul at sapul ang kanyang operation ng gambling ay puro illegal," Aguirre said.

The justice chief formally wrote the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to conduct an investigation into Ang and Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation for possible tax evasion.