The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it now has “reliable leads” on the whereabouts of gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is facing an arrest warrant in the case of the missing sabungeros.

In a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari confirmed on DZRH News that authorities have developed credible information as part of the ongoing manhunt against Ang.

However, Mallari declined to provide further details, citing the need to avoid compromising operational efforts.

On Thursday, authorities said that Ang is currently in hiding and has no intention of surrendering following the issuance of the arrest warrant.

According to NBI Assistant Director for the Investigation Service Rommel Vallejo, it would be in Ang’s best interest to voluntarily surrender to prove his alleged lack of involvement in the disappearance of the sabungeros and to help expedite the resolution of the case.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Ang is now considered the country’s number one most wanted individual and is believed to be armed and dangerous. A bounty of ₱10 million has been offered to anyone who can provide information leading to Ang’s arrest.

On Wednesday, the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 issued an arrest warrant against Ang for non-bailable kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Atong Ang is the sole suspect still at large among 18 individuals for whom a Laguna court has issued arrest orders.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also said it intensified security and monitoring at major exit points nationwide as authorities continue the manhunt.

Meanwhile, the PNP and Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that Ang has not left the country.

On the other hand, Ang’s lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, has challenged the court order for his arrest, saying that the directive is "premature" and legally questionable.