Photo courtesy of Avito Dalan/Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Monday it has received 40 leads through its hotlines in connection with the search for gambling tycoon Atong Ang, who is wanted for kidnapping over the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.
CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Col. John Guiagui said most tips pointed to areas in Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna, with some coming from the Bicol Region and Metro Manila. He did not provide additional specifics.
Guiagui said some reports described sightings of Ang prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant, including leaving a vehicle to visit a game fowl farm, and another tip noted someone delivering expensive seafood to him.
The CIDG has conducted searches at 14 locations across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon but has yet to locate Ang. These included a home in Pasig City, two properties in Mandaluyong, and a Quezon City penthouse.
Authorities are now investigating three additional Metro Manila sites, though Guiagui declined to reveal details, citing ongoing operations. He added that the search was complicated by how carefully Ang’s properties were prepared.
Rumors suggesting that Ang had fled to Mindanao are being verified by investigators, Guiagui said.
Ang’s legal team continues to question the validity of the arrest order, calling it “premature” and “legally questionable,” while all 21 of his co-accused from Laguna and Batangas have already been detained by the CIDG.