The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), admitted that apprehending businessman Atong Ang could be challenging due to his influence.

CIDG Director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II warned the gaming tycoon’s security and staff against attempting to block authorities from serving his arrest warrant.

Speaking at Camp Crame, Morico said anyone preventing the arrest could face charges for obstruction of justice. The warrant pertains to Ang’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping with homicide of missing cockfight enthusiasts.

“It is a lawful order coming from the court, mga security guard sa subdivision, and ‘yong doon sa bahay, anybody who will prevent us we will be arresting you from obstruction of justice because there is a warrant of arrest, and we will enforce it,” Morico said.

“Anybody who is on the way, ay aarestuhin po namin,” the CIDG director added.

The PNP claimed it is aware of Ang’s properties across Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Palawan, and believes the gaming tycoon has not left the country.

Ang’s legal counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, told reporters that the businessman will not surrender and will pursue legal remedies against what they call a “premature arrest order.” Ang is reportedly the only one among 18 individuals wanted in Laguna who has not yet been apprehended.

Authorities further relayed that on Wednesday, January 14 a CIDG–NCR operation at one of Ang’s Pasig City addresses yielded no arrests.

Meanwhile, Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed the CIDG to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration to expedite Ang’s arrest.

Nartatez has also tightened surveillance at airports and seaports amid the ongoing manhunt for the gaming tycoon.