Wanted poster of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, issued by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). (Photo courtesy of CIDG)
Businessman remains at large as courts issue non-bailable arrest warrants
MANILA — Philippine authorities said Friday that the nationwide manhunt for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang remains unresolved, as investigators evaluate intelligence indicating he may already be outside the country, even as multiple arrest warrants against him remain outstanding.
Interior and law-enforcement officials said information being assessed suggests Ang could have fled to Cambodia, though they stressed the lead is unverified. Authorities said the possibility has prompted intensified coordination with border-control agencies and international law-enforcement partners, while domestic search operations continue.
Police say Ang is the only accused still unaccounted for
The Philippine National Police said Ang is now the sole accused still at large among those charged in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly known as sabungeros.
All other individuals named in the arrest warrants are either in custody or under restrictive control, police said. Officials described the immediate objective as securing Ang’s arrest so the cases can proceed to arraignment and pretrial hearings.
Arrest warrants span Batangas and Laguna courts
The continuing manhunt follows non-bailable arrest warrants issued by regional trial courts in Batangas and Laguna, widening the case across multiple jurisdictions.
A court in Lipa City, Batangas ordered Ang’s arrest for kidnapping with homicide, an offense classified as not bailable. Earlier, courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna and San Pablo City, Laguna issued warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, also described as non-bailable, as well as a separate warrant for kidnapping with homicide carrying no possible bail.
Authorities said the warrants reflect judicial findings that sufficient legal grounds exist to compel arrest and proceed to trial.
Reward remains in effect as authorities tighten the net
Officials reiterated that a ₱10 million reward remains in effect for information that directly leads to Ang’s arrest. Law-enforcement agencies have expanded tip lines and urged the public to provide credible information, emphasizing that the reward applies only to tips resulting in a lawful apprehension.
Monitoring at airports, seaports, and other exit points has been tightened, and coordination with immigration authorities and international partners continues. Officials declined to disclose operational details, citing security concerns.
Disappearances that triggered the prosecutions
The investigation stems from the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts reported missing between 2021 and 2022, cases that prosecutors have linked to disputes associated with cockfighting matches.
The Department of Justice earlier found prima facie evidence to indict Ang and other respondents, leading to the filing of criminal cases in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; San Pablo City, Laguna; and Lipa City, Batangas.
As part of the investigation, authorities conducted search operations in Taal Lake, where human remains were recovered. The searches followed allegations by a whistleblower and co-accused that victims were killed and disposed of in the area. Those claims remain allegations and have not been adjudicated by the courts.
Police have also confirmed that firearms licenses associated with Ang were revoked as a precautionary measure while arrest warrants remain outstanding.
Defense disputes allegations, signals legal challenge
Ang, through legal counsel, has denied any involvement in the disappearances. His defense has questioned the validity of the arrest warrants and said it will pursue legal remedies to challenge the cases in court.
