Fugitive gambling figure Charlie Atong Ang had already prepared himself before a warrant of arrest was issued against him, complicating efforts by authorities to track him down, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region chief John Guiagui said Ang’s resources, wide network, and properties across the country have made the manhunt challenging.

Guiagui, speaking in a radio interview on Tuesday, said Ang anticipated the issuance of the warrant and took steps in advance to evade arrest.

“Sabi ko nga ay pinaghandaan niya na way before. Alam niya na may lalabas so with his resources, with his circle of friends, with his properties all over the country, talagang nahihirapan tayo. Again, it is not a hindrance. Tuloy tuloy pa rin ang effort natin,” Guiagui said.

He added that investigators believe Ang is constantly moving from one location to another to avoid capture but remains within the country.

“Wala naman tayong record pa na lumabas ito ng bansa so we believe he is still in the country, that’s why 'yung effort natin talagang massive. We are exerting effort na mahuli siya,” he said.

Guiagui said authorities continue to act on validated information received through their hotline as the search intensifies.

Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government requested the cancellation of Ang’s passport, citing records indicating that he has not left the country.

Ang has since been named the DILG’s most wanted individual, with a P10 million bounty offered for information leading to his arrest.