Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday said authorities have received reports suggesting that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang may be outside the Philippines, possibly operating in Cambodia, following the exodus of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Speaking to reporters, Remulla said the information reportedly came from a source identified as Patindongan, who claimed that when POGO operations ceased in the Philippines in 2024, and companies were given until December 2024 to wind down, many operators transferred their activities to Cambodia.

“Noong pumunta lahat ng POGO [sa Cambodia], according to reports, nagkaroon rin ng operations doon si Charlie 'Atong' Ang ng e-sabong. So may sarili siyang gaming outfit doon sa Cambodia,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is already coordinating with police authorities in Cambodia to obtain more reliable and verified information regarding Ang’s reported whereabouts and activities.

Remulla added that any effort to repatriate Ang, if he is indeed abroad, would likely be more effective through diplomatic channels.

“Pero ang pag-repatriate ito ay mas effective siguro ay iintayin natin si Pangulo na kausapin ang kanyang counterpart doon sa Cambodia para sila na magusap para maibalik agad dito kung ando-doon siya,” he said.

When asked whether authorities are also monitoring Thailand, given its proximity to Cambodia, Remulla confirmed that both countries are being considered.

“Yes, both of them. Actually, buong Southeast Asia, naka-inform na ang counterparts,” he said.

Remulla said authorities are confident that Ang may have established overseas operations and connections in the region, but stressed that there is still no solid proof confirming his presence outside the country.

Based on the Bureau of Immigration (BI) records, Remulla said Ang did not pass through any Philippine airport, leading authorities to speculate that if he is overseas, he may have left the country through illegal or “backdoor” routes.

He also said authorities are looking into possible individuals who may have helped Ang, but emphasized that this remains part of an ongoing case build-up.

“This is still speculative. There is no solid proof yet that he is abroad. At this point, we are about 70-30 leaning toward the possibility that he is still in the Philippines,” Remulla said.

Meanwhile, Remulla addressed questions regarding a firearm registered under Ang’s name that has yet to be surrendered. According to the DILG secretary, Ang’s lawyer claimed the firearm was lost multiple times.

“He needs to submit an affidavit of loss. But how that will be done is unclear because it requires a live signature, and he is the registered owner of the firearm,” Remulla said.

Authorities said they will continue coordinating with local and foreign counterparts as the investigation continues.