CIDG-NCR: No sighting of Atong Ang as manhunt continues

There has been no confirmed sighting of fugitive e-sabong operator Atong Ang, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region.

CIDG-NCR chief John Guiagui said on Monday that the manhunt against Ang remains ongoing, with police exerting full efforts to locate him.

"100 percent pa rin efforts namin dito (in hunting down Atong Ang) hanggat wala siya sa ibang bansa. No sighting in Cambodia (or any other asian country) other agencies are also helping the police, since no sighting, tuloy ang hunt dito," Guiagui told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Guiagui said police operations in Metro Manila, including checks at two properties in Mandaluyong believed to be owned by Ang and another location in Pasig, yielded negative results.

"We have another (target to check) a penthouse in Timog," Guiagui said, referring to a property owned by one of Ang’s associates that he reportedly frequented.

He said hotlines established for information leading to Ang’s arrest have received around 40 tips pointing to nearly 14 possible locations, but all have so far turned up negative.

Guiagui said similar results were obtained from searches conducted at Ang’s alleged farms in Cavite, Batangas and Laguna.

"Ang pagkakaiba (ni Ang sa ibang wanted persons) is resources and network of friends (connections around the country). Marami siyang paraan para magtago, di naman titigil ang ating kapulisan," Guiagui said.

He added that tips from informants also placed Ang in Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga in Central Luzon, Zambales and parts of Region 5, prompting coordination with local police units.

"All infos are taken for considerations. Pati local police are also looking for him," Guiagui said.

"Reponsibilidad namin ito para sa mga pamilyang naghahanap ng hustisya," he added.

The nationwide manhunt follows the issuance of multiple warrants of arrest against Ang, reflecting judicial findings that sufficient legal grounds exist to compel his arrest and proceed to trial.

Courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna and San Pablo City, Laguna have issued warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, described as non-bailable, as well as a separate warrant for kidnapping with homicide, which carries no bail. A court in Lipa City, Batangas has also ordered Ang’s arrest for kidnapping with homicide, likewise a non-bailable offense.