The Philippine National Police (PNP) has revoked the firearm licenses of business tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang as authorities intensify manhunt operations for his arrest, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confirmed on Thursday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the revocation was approved by the Chief of the PNP to support ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend Ang, who remains at large.

“To further facilitate the manhunt operation, we have recommended to the Chief PNP the revocation of the firearm license of Mr. Atong Ang, which was approved,” Morico told reporters. 

“We have already communicated this to his lawyers, and they were mandated to surrender the firearms to the Firearms and Explosives Office. There are six firearms under the name of Mr. Atong Ang,” he added. 

Morico also disclosed that the PNP has sought the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against Ang, despite intelligence reports indicating that he is still in the country.

“Although our recent monitoring shows he is still here, we have requested through Interpol MCB Manila the issuance of a red notice. In case he manages to leave the country through the back door or enters another Interpol-member country, he may be arrested,” Morico said.

The PNP is likewise coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration for the issuance of a hold departure order and is set to recommend Ang’s inclusion in the national list of most wanted persons, which carries a monetary reward.

Ang is the lone suspect still at large after his 17 co-accused were arrested and taken into CIDG custody on Wednesday.

During the same press briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. Remulla said Ang is now considered the country’s No. 1 Most Wanted Person, given the gravity of the cases he faces, including his alleged involvement in the disappearance of several sabungeros.

“He is very rich. He has a lot of money, so he could buy an island or hide in a mountain. But it is very difficult to fight the Philippine government. We will find him,” Remulla said.

Despite the aggressive pursuit, Remulla stressed that law enforcement operations will remain within legal bounds.

“The PNP has no EJK plan. Our personnel on the ground will just exercise caution so that they will not be harmed in getting Atong Ang,” he said.

Remulla announced that the government is offering a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest, in an effort to hasten his capture.

“Ang DILG ay naglalagay ng 10 million na patong para sa kaniyang aresto. Any information leading to the conclusive arrest of Atong Ang will merit a 10-million peso reward,” he said.

The DILG chief also urged Ang to stop evading authorities and surrender peacefully.

“Surrender now peacefully, and we will treat you with respect. If you become a fugitive from the law, then we will treat you like a fugitive,” Remulla said.

Once arrested, Ang will be brought to Camp Crame before being transferred to a detention facility under the jurisdiction of the court that issued the warrants against him.