The Philippine National Police has revoked the firearms licenses of fugitive gambling figure Atong Ang, as authorities intensify efforts to arrest him over kidnapping charges linked to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.
PNP Firearms and Explosives Office chief Jose DJ Manalad said Monday that Ang’s licenses to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) covering “three pistols, two rifles and a revolver” were revoked following the issuance of arrest warrants against him.
Manalad said Ang previously held a Type 5 LTOPF, which allows ownership of 15 or more firearms.
“Since the license and firearms registration have already been revoked, these are now considered loose firearms,” Manalad said.
He said authorities may seek search warrants should the firearms not be voluntarily surrendered.
“Our local units may apply for a search warrant, but for now, we are giving ample time to recover the firearms and have them surrendered by the family or immediate relatives of the accused,” Manalad said.
Manalad added that the firearms licenses of Ang’s co-accused—Rogelio Borican Jr., Rodelo Anig-ig, Jezrel Mahilum, and Emmanuel Falle—were also revoked.
Borican and Anig-ig held Type 2 licenses, while Mahilum had a Type 1 license. Manalad said information on Falle’s license type was not immediately available.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, a Type 2 license allows possession of up to five firearms, while a Type 1 license allows ownership of up to two firearms.
Manalad said Mahilum owned a Glock .45 pistol, the license of which has also been revoked, while Borican owned an Armscor .45 pistol that had already been declared lost.