MANILA, Philippines– Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that the government has raised the reward for information leading to the arrest of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang to ₱20 million.
Ang is facing multiple warrants tied to the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts, commonly referred to as the sabungero killings.
Remulla said the increased bounty is meant to accelerate manhunt operations. “Seryoso kami dito. Manggagaling ‘yun sa confidential funds… Totoong tao ang babayaran namin dito kung makita natin,” he said. He emphasized that wealth will not shield Ang from accountability: “Hindi naman porket may pera siya, makakawala siya habambuhay.”
Ang has denied the accusations and filed complaints against whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who alleged that he orchestrated the murders. Authorities have been investigating reports that Ang may have fled to Cambodia, but Cambodian officials denied his presence there. Remulla said, “We really believe nandito pa siya sa Philippines. We have points of interest… so the manhunt is going on.”
The NBI reportedly receives fresh tips about Ang’s location almost daily. Remulla also revealed plans to deploy advanced surveillance technology, including lidar capable of penetrating tree canopies, to aid in the search for Ang and other high-profile fugitives, including former prisons chief Gerald Bantag. These measures are expected to be used in the coming months for intensive manhunt operations.
