Photo courtesy of Avito Dalan/Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday that gambling tycoon Atong Ang was seen in the Calabarzon region about two weeks ago as authorities continue their search.
Remulla said Ang had been moving in a very small group, reportedly with only two companions, and frequently changed locations every few days.
He added that police received intelligence that Ang was last observed in Region 4A but managed to evade arrest during follow-up operations by a narrow margin.
Authorities previously confirmed that a major operation nearly resulted in Ang’s arrest, though he was able to slip away before security forces arrived.
The interior chief said the information on Ang’s movements came from a source described as credible, prompting intensified monitoring and pursuit efforts.
Ang faces kidnapping charges linked to the alleged abduction and killing of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts in incidents reported between 2021 and 2022.
Police earlier arrested 20 co-accused after courts in Laguna and Batangas issued warrants, leaving Ang as the only remaining fugitive in the case.
Authorities said the manhunt continues across multiple regions as efforts to locate and apprehend Ang remain ongoing.