Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang was nearly arrested in a police operation after he was reportedly spotted in the Philippines last week, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla said a credible informant claimed to have personally seen Ang in the country, prompting authorities to immediately launch a follow-up operation. However, by the time the raiding team arrived at the reported location, Ang had already fled.
“There was a report, actual report of an eyeball contact, ibig sabihin no nakita siya in person. Immediately, gumawa kami ng follow-up operations. Nang mintis namin. But, we will, so far, so, ang last report ay nakita siya rito sa Pilipinas,” Remulla said.
The Interior chief disclosed that he personally joined the operation targeting Ang at an undisclosed private location. Despite their efforts, the suspect once again evaded arrest.
"I was personally part of the raiding team. Pumunta ako mismo. Pero, hindi namin siya naabutan…Dito lang sa Pilipinas,” he added.
The latest development contrasts with earlier intelligence reports indicating that Ang may have been in Vietnam.
Remulla said those reports were based on raw intelligence, but the recent sighting in the Philippines prompted authorities to shift their focus.
“As I told you before, raw intelligence reports ‘yun na nandodoon siya. But apparently, on that very same day, may nag-report na na eyeball. So, gumawa na kami ng operations,” he said.
“Tingin mo si Atong magpapa-picture ‘yun? Hindi magpapa-picture ‘yun. Parang palos ‘yun eh. Hindi mo basta-basta maabutan ‘yun. But eyeball is nakita niya personal,” Remulla said.
He noted that the informant is considered reliable, even though no photographic evidence was obtained.
Authorities continue their manhunt for Ang, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as “sabungeros,” who were accused of cheating in his gaming operations.
Remulla assured the public that operations against Ang remain ongoing as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to locate and apprehend the elusive businessman.
