From GMA News

By Noriko Yamamoto

On Thursday, January 15, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) offered a P10-million bounty in exchange for the arrest of Charlie “Atong” Ang, a businessman facing arrest warrants connected to the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts).

According to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, authorities have classified Ang as “armed and dangerous,” explaining that intelligence reports have indicated that Ang was moving around with at least 20 armed bodyguards. 

Due to this, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already revoked Ang’s firearm licenses.

Remulla also said that Ang is currently considered as the country’s most wanted suspect.

“Sanay ‘yan sa marahas na pagharap sa mga awtoridad para masolusyunan ang kanyang mga problema. So we considered him armed and dangerous,” he further explained.

Remulla then advised Ang to cooperate and face his charges, stating, “Surrender now peacefully and we will treat you with respect. If you become a fugitive from the law, then we will treat you like a fugitive,” 

Remulla also emphasized that all 320,000 officers of the PNP will utilize all legal means to arrest Ang.

Moreover, he has already requested a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in case Ang has already left the country.

Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director PMGen. Robert Morico II reported that authorities have tried to serve arrest warrants at four different locations tied to Ang in Metro Manila, Lipa City, and Laguna.

However, Morico also said, “He was nowhere to be found [in these] areas … there are still ongoing operations para hanapin siya. Maybe we will reveal it later kung magiging negative or positive.”

At present time, Ang’s 17 alleged accomplices have already been arrested, with their warrants already returned to the court as the PNP awaits the issuance of a commitment order.

On the other hand, the involved civilians are under the custody of the CIDG in Batangas.

Furthermore, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Director for Administration, Jose Justo Yap, said authorities have no information suggesting that Ang has left the Philippines.

Yap explained that a massive manhunt against Ang is underway as he stressed that operations are being conducted continuously, day and night.

NBI Assistant Justice Secretary Gerard Vida also added that based on all available records, the government remains confident Ang is still in the country.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that although Ang is now considered a fugitive from justice, the cases will continue in court because other accused individuals have already surrendered to authorities.

“Kung siya ay mananatiling fugitive o magtatago, ang kaso ay uusad in so far as doon sa mga akusado na nahuli pero as far as Mr. Charlie Atong Ang is concerned hindi magagalaw ang kaso laban sa kanya,” Prosecutor General Benito Fadullon, head of the DOJ’s prosecutorial arm, highlighted. 

Ultimately, Remulla declared that once arrested, Ang will be transferred to a detention facility under the jurisdiction of the court after he is brought to Camp Crame.