The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is looking into the possibility that fugitive businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang may be receiving protection, citing his vast financial resources, as authorities continue an intensified nationwide and regional manhunt.
In a press briefing on Thursday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Ang’s wealth could allow him to secure shelter and assistance from various sources, although he ruled out involvement from active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Siyempre. Ang daming pera nun, no? One billion a day, kinita niya for three years. Can you imagine how much money he has? One billion a day for three years. So, nothing is beyond his reach, kung ganun karami ang pera niya,” Remulla said.
“But if you’re asking about current PNP personnel, I’m certain there’s none. We are monitoring closely, and there’s none.”
Remulla acknowledged, however, that Ang’s resources may allow him to influence or buy support elsewhere. Despite this, the DILG chief expressed confidence that authorities will eventually locate and arrest him.
He also warned Ang against trusting those within his inner circle, noting that many intelligence leads are coming from people close to him.
"Kung ako si Atong, huwag siya magtitiwala sa mga kasama niya. Kasi lahat ng tips na kukuha namin, ay yung mga galing sa kasama niya rin eh. So, dahan-dahan lang siya sa pagtitiwala."
When asked about the cooperation of the families of Atong Ang and alleged associate and former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, Remulla said there has been no communication so far. “There has been no coordination from the families,” he said.
Remulla also dismissed speculation that Ang may have fled using a fake or alternative passport, citing stricter passport security measures.
“That would be difficult now because of passport standardization and e-gates,” he said. “As far as we know, he does not have Portuguese, Spanish, or Malaysian citizenship. He doesn’t have those passports.”
Authorities believe Ang may currently be somewhere in Southeast Asia, a region Remulla said makes it easier for him to blend in. “Southeast Asia is our focus. It’s easy to blend in here—you don’t stand out,” he said, noting similarities in physical features across the region.
Remulla confirmed that intelligence leaks from Ang’s own security detail have helped authorities track his movements, although arrests have so far fallen short. “Natatakot pa eh, kapag tumatawag eh. Pero sinasabi doon. Tapos, we arrived mga one or two hours later na nakaalis na.”
According to the DILG, at least eight operations have been conducted in the past week alone, covering areas from Porac, Pampanga, to Albay and Negros. Despite the missed captures, Remulla said authorities remain determined.
“Naka-walong raid na kami in the last one week. Walang locations na kami. From Porac to Albay to Negros. Ang dami na namin pinuntahan eh. Pero mahahanap namin yan."
