PNP raids 20 sites but Atong Ang still at large

The Philippine National Police on Monday said fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang remains at large despite intensified search operations since January.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities have raided and inspected at least 20 properties linked to Ang, the alleged head of an online sabong operation and principal accused in the disappearance of 34 “sabungeros.”

“We have raided and checked the properties and known whereabouts of Atong Ang. Siguro, hindi lalagpas sa 20 areas ito that were visited or raided not only twice but thrice,” Nartatez told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame after Monday’s flag ceremony.

“In fact, we have already scoured a number of islands in the Philippines para lang sa reported presence of fugitive Atong Ang. It turned out to be negative,” he added.

Nartatez did not disclose specific locations but said earlier operations were concentrated in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the Bicol region.

Ang faces three standing warrants of arrest and is the principal accused in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts allegedly involved in game-fixing. His 20 co-accused, including dismissed and active police officers, have already been arrested.

The PNP chief said authorities are also monitoring Ang’s associates and coordinating with international counterparts in case the businessman fled abroad using an alias.

“It turned out to be negative and we are in constant coordination with our international partners, maybe baka gumamit ng ibang pangalan at napunta doon, but so far with all of these indicators the subject fugitive is still here,” Nartatez said, adding that the latest information indicates Ang remains in the country.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier doubled the reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Nartatez said the police are continuing the manhunt for former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Bantag is accused of masterminding the 2022 killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, while Co faces graft and malversation charges linked to an allegedly anomalous P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

“That includes not only Atong Ang but also Bantag as well as Zaldy Co and 3 members of Sunwest and sino pa at marami pang mga wanted, in our campaign against wanted persons very firm ang ating direction diyan,” he said.