NBI searches for Atong Ang in Makati subdivision

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an operation on Thursday inside an exclusive subdivision in Makati City as part of the ongoing search for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Ang was believed to be inside one of the houses in the subdivision. The search began after lawyers arrived at the location.

Ang is facing multiple criminal charges in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as sabungeros.

He has been charged with kidnapping with homicide, as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention before courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; Lipa, Batangas; and San Pablo, Laguna.

The three courts have issued warrants for his arrest.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has also intensified efforts to locate Ang, releasing an updated wanted poster and raising the reward for information leading to his arrest to P20 million.

The CIDG said informants may contact its hotlines at 0960-692-3025 and 0945-611-5926. The reward will be given to anyone who provides information that directly leads to Ang’s arrest.

According to the CIDG, informants only need to present the SIM card used to call the hotline to claim the reward. The agency said the identity of tipsters would remain confidential.

Authorities listed several possible areas where Ang may be located, including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Zambales.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said it had no record of his entry or exit from the country, citing information given by whistleblower Julie Patidongan.

Likewise, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government said there were no records showing Ang had left the Philippines.