The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, raising the bounty from ₱10 million to ₱20 million.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the increase on Thursday, citing the urgency of locating Ang, who has been tagged as the country’s “most wanted person.”
The announcement coincides with the issuance of a third arrest warrant against Ang by the San Pablo, Laguna Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 29.
The latest order follows previous warrants from courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and Batangas.
Ang faces multiple non-bailable charges, including kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
The cases are linked to the 2021-2022 disappearance of over 30 cockfight enthusiasts, or sabungeros, across Luzon.
“We are doubling the reward to ₱20 million to encourage anyone with credible information to come forward,” Remulla said. He added that the funds will be sourced from the DILG’s intelligence budget.
Despite dozens of raids on properties linked to the tycoon, authorities have yet to locate him. Remulla previously noted that Ang’s vast resources and alleged daily income of ₱1 billion from gambling operations have made the manhunt more challenging.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also revoked Ang’s licenses for six firearms and requested an Interpol Red Notice, as investigators explore the possibility that the businessman may have fled to neighboring countries like Cambodia or Thailand.
In a move to ensure transparency during the search, Remulla has ordered all police units involved in the manhunt to utilize body-worn cameras to prevent allegations of bribery or “hulidap” (extortion) during raids.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) hotlines.
The DILG assured that all tips will be handled with strict confidentiality.