Photo courtesy of Avito Dalan/Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is confident that gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang is still in the country as authorities continue the manhunt linked to the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida explained that the agency is working with international partners and exploring all diplomatic and law enforcement channels to track Ang’s location.
Records indicate that Ang has not passed through the Bureau of Immigration (BI), supporting the belief that he remains in the Philippines. Law enforcement continues to pursue all leads to confirm his whereabouts.
Vida acknowledged that while it is possible for someone with sufficient resources to leave the country undetected, the focus remains on locating Ang and bringing him into custody.
Ang is the only suspect still at large in the case, after 17 co-accused were recently apprehended and transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The DOJ said operations are ongoing, with authorities prepared to act immediately once Ang’s location is verified.
A reward of Php 10 million has been offered for information leading to Ang’s arrest, highlighting the urgency of the investigation.
The department also confirmed continued coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the BI, and other agencies to explore every possible avenue in the search for Ang.