Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan believes fugitive gambling lord Charlie “Atong” Ang may already have left the Philippines amid the high-profile missing sabungeros case. Ang currently has two arrest warrants against him in connection with the kidnapping and homicide of the cockfight enthusiasts.

“In my opinion he’s already abroad,” Patidongan told a radio station on Saturday. “He’s not an ordinary person. His group operates internationally.”

Patidongan said Ang might have left as early as December. If he is still in the country, he could be hiding in one of his exclusive properties.

“If he’s still in the Philippines, he’s probably in one of his subdivisions or with trusted people,” he said. “He operates on his own. He doesn’t hide with generals or anyone else. If he does, it’s his secret.”

Police move on co-accused officers

On Friday, police served a new arrest warrant for 13 police officers accused alongside Ang. Ten had been arrested earlier, while three others, also under restrictive custody, were added to the list by the Lipa City Regional Trial Court, Branch 13.

“We added four names to the previous warrant. Three have been accounted for, and efforts are ongoing to locate the fourth. One was dismissed,” said P/Col. John Guiagui, chief of the CIDG-NCR.

This is separate from the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court warrant for kidnapping with homicide, a non-bailable offense. Suspects’ addresses span Muntinlupa, Laguna and Batangas, reflecting how the alleged crimes stretched across multiple provinces.

PNP warnings and tip lines

Acting PNP chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cautioned the public against sharing false information that could compromise the manhunt. He also reminded security agencies not to provide protection or escorts to Ang.

“Let us work together to bring him to court to face the serious accusations against him. This is how the justice system works, and it must be respected,” he said.

The PNP-CIDG has also set up hotlines for tips, while the DILG posted a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest. Posters with his photo and possible locations have been distributed nationwide.

Meanwhile, DoJ spokesperson Polo Martinez slammed Ang’s lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, for advising his client not to surrender until all legal remedies are exhausted.

“That suggestion was ill-advised and not only unethical but also potentially criminal,” Martinez said.

Villareal said that Ang should not be treated like a criminal since he has yet to face trial. “Why should he risk surrendering? He still has judicial remedies left. He shouldn’t be pursued as if he’s already guilty,” he said.

Martinez warned that resisting a lawful warrant carries penalties under the Revised Penal Code and could lead to additional charges. Lawyers who appear to encourage fugitives not to surrender could face sanctions under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

Case continues for others

Even as Ang remains at large, proceedings continue against the police officers and other co-accused who have been arrested or surrendered.

“The case will continue for those accused who are in custody or have submitted evidence. The accused has the right to present evidence, but unless there is jurisdiction over him, the trial cannot proceed with respect to him,” Martinez said.

Background of the case

The hunt for Ang is the latest chapter in a years-long saga over missing cockfight enthusiasts, tied to the boom and abrupt shutdown of online and traditional sabong (cockfights) during the pandemic. Families reported their relatives disappeared after attending cockfights or going to e-sabong arenas linked to powerful operators and police officers.

Ang, a former e-sabong franchise holder, had denied involvement but was indicted along with several police officers and civilian cohorts.

Public outrage has grown as Senate hearings, videos, and whistleblower testimonies highlighted a criminal environment where gambling operators, rogue cops, and local fixers silenced whistleblowers and debtors.

Patidongan’s statements suggest Ang may have fled abroad, adding urgency to the ongoing manhunt.

Under pressure, the PNP formed tracker teams, set up hotlines, and coordinated with the DILG, which offered a reward. Posters with Ang’s picture have been posted nationwide, and authorities have warned that police and private security must not assist him.

The DoJ has signaled that disobeying lawful warrants can lead to criminal and professional consequences. Meanwhile, the trial continues for the other respondents, highlighting how the justice system navigates cases when a high-profile fugitive remains at large.