The Philippine government has deployed a liaison officer to Cambodia to coordinate the search for fugitive gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Thursday.
The move follows intelligence reports suggesting that Ang may have fled the country via “backdoor” routes to evade arrest.
Ang is currently the subject of a nationwide manhunt and a P10 million bounty in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.
“Our liaison is there now,” Remulla told reporters at Camp Crame. “We are looking at possible entry points and we are coordinating with our counterparts in Cambodia to see if he is really there.
While the Bureau of Immigration has no record of Ang’s official departure, authorities are investigating tips from whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who claimed Ang has established online cockfighting operations in Cambodia.
Remulla noted that the presence of former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the Cambodia-Thailand border region might provide a network for the fugitive to hide.
Despite the international search, Remulla emphasized that local efforts remain intensive.
Over the last 20 days, police have conducted raids at 18 different sites across the Philippines, all of which yielded negative results.
“His world is getting smaller,” Remulla said, adding that the Philippines’ extradition treaty with Cambodia and its current chairmanship of ASEAN would facilitate smoother coordination with foreign officials.
Remulla also acknowledged the challenge posed by Ang’s significant financial resources—estimated to be at least P10 billion in cash—which could be used to facilitate his movement across borders.
However, he expressed confidence in the capture, citing the successful return of other high-profile fugitives like former congressman Arnie Teves from Timor-Leste.
Ang faces multiple warrants for kidnapping and homicide. Though his legal team recently surrendered several of his firearms to the police, authorities continue to classify him as “armed and dangerous” due to his private security and vast resources.