The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that it is now coordinating with its counterpart in Cambodia following information from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that businessman Atong Ang may be hiding there, according to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari told DZRH News that coordination with Cambodian authorities has been ongoing since last week.

Mallari explained that the bureau is still verifying the authenticity of reports claiming that Ang has already left the country.

Despite these reports, the NBI remains confident that Ang is still in the Philippines, noting that there is no official departure record from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Earlier, the NBI also met with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, during which the bureau emphasized that none of its agents are assisting the businessman.

Despite the DILG Secretary’s statement that they are not seeking NBI assistance, the bureau said it continues its search for Ang, who is being tagged as the alleged "mastermind" behind the disappearance of several cockfighting sabungeros or enthusiasts.

As part of its ongoing manhunt, the NBI is currently searching farms reportedly owned by Ang in several provinces, including Laguna, Batangas, Zambales, and parts of the Bicol region.

Earlier, Remulla said authorities have received reports suggesting that the gaming tycoon may be outside the Philippines, possibly operating in Cambodia, following the exodus of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Based on the 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.