Whistleblower and state witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan says fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, tagged in the disappearance and alleged killing of at least 19 cockfighting enthusiasts, may have already left the Philippines. Patidongan, a former aide of Ang, details his cooperation with investigators as police, prosecutors, and lawmakers pursue leads on the missing e-sabong players and examine Ang’s suspected role in the case. Authorities coordinate with immigration and international police as they track Ang’s movements and continue case buildup.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projects that the Philippines will add about 15 million people in the next 10 years as it enters a demographic sweet spot, characterized by a rising share of working-age citizens and a relatively smaller proportion of dependents. The agency says this shift can support stronger economic growth if the government aligns investments in education, health, jobs, and social protection with the changing population structure. The CPD plans to provide detailed projections and policy inputs to guide national and local development planning during this demographic window.