Talisay city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced an investigation into a police operation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, which uncovered an illegal "e-sabong" (online cockfighting) facility that may be linked to fugitive businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o revealed that PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an inquiry into a police major's possible involvement with 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 (The CIDG investigation is looking into two areas: the possible link to Atong Ang in the said operation and the link of the police major to Atong Ang as his operator in the alleged e-sabong)," Tua±o stated during a press briefing.

The CIDG raid on April 22 resulted in the arrest of thirty individuals. CIDG spokesperson Maj. Helen dela Cruz confirmed that the Bacolod-based police major involved has been relieved of his duties and is currently at the PNP headquarters for further investigation. The major previously held the position of a CIDG provincial officer in the Negros Island Region.

The investigation also extends to a March 24 CIDG operation in Tondo, Manila, which dismantled another alleged e-sabong site. Courts in Laguna and Batangas have issued non-bailable warrants against Ang for kidnapping and serious illegal detention related to the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.

Currently, twenty of Ang's co-accused are in custody, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government has offered a PHP20-million reward for his arrest. Tua±o confirmed that manhunt operations against Ang are ongoing.