The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it intensified security and monitoring at major exit points nationwide as authorities continue the manhunt for gaming tycoon and billionaire Charlie “Atong” Ang, who remains at large in the “missing sabungeros” case.
In a statement, Acting PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to closely coordinate with immigration authorities to ensure Ang’s possible arrest, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.
Nartatez also ordered tighter monitoring of ports and airports to prevent the businessman from leaving the country amid the ongoing manhunt.
Of the 18 individuals ordered arrested by a Laguna court, Ang is now the only suspect still at large.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, presided over by Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong, issued warrants of arrest on Jan. 14 for Ang and his co-accused for the non-bailable charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
On Wednesday, CIDG–National Capital Region (NCR) chief Police Colonel John Guiagui said authorities attempted to serve the warrant of arrest at Ang’s reported addresses in Pasig City and Mandaluyong City, but he was not found.
Guiagui noted that investigators believe Ang may be deliberately evading arrest and could be hiding in one of his several properties, possibly located anywhere from Calabarzon to Palawan.
“There are so many properties na tinitingnan natin na pwede niyang pagtaguan. At the same time naman with his resources I know magtatago at magtatago,” Guiagui said.
Meanwhile, CIDG chief Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II, appealed to Ang to surrender peacefully.
“I ask Mr. Atong Ang to please fully surrender na lang, we have several convoy manhunt,” Morico said.
In a separate message to reporters, Ang’s lead counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal maintained that his client will not surrender and instead will pursue legal remedies against what he described as a “premature” arrest order.
Families of the missing sabungeros welcomed the court’s issuance of arrest warrants and expressed gratitude to what they described as a “star witness,” Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, whose testimony allegedly strengthened the case.
“Kami ay… ‘yung grupo namin ay nagpapasalamat talaga na finally, magkakaroon na ng… nagkaroon na ng warrant of arrest. Kasi akala nga namin noong christmas… kami ay nagpapasalamat at ah mag-aantay pa sa magiging mabilis na implementatation ng authorities para makuha itong mga kinasuhan na ito lalong lalo na iyong Atong Ang and then the rest of the other ah… suspects,” said Cha Lasco, a relative of one of the missing sabungeros.
Meanwhile, the PNP and Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that Ang has not left the country.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also announced on Thursday that the government will offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of Ang, as authorities ramp up efforts to bring him to justice.
Furthermore, according to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Assistant Director for the Investigation Service Rommel Vallejo, it would be better for the businessman to surrender in order to prove his claim of innocence and to help expedite the proceedings of the case.
He said tracking teams are actively combing through Ang’s properties and known addresses, not only in Metro Manila but also in various provinces.
The official acknowledged that the manhunt poses a major challenge, citing Ang’s vast resources, manpower, financial capability, and the numerous locations where he could potentially hide.
