MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) failed to serve an arrest warrant against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang after operatives did not find him in two Cavite properties linked to his family.
NBI agents visited two properties in Dasmariñas, Cavite, owned by Ang’s children on Thursday following information that the businessman may still be communicating with them. However, Ang was not present during the operation.
NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said the agency acted on information it considered credible enough to verify.
“If we believe that the information is actually credible, believable, we will really move forward in verifying and if need be, send operatives to check and serve the warrant of arrest… The logical reasoning is that the accused may be communicating with his children,” he told reporters.
Ang, who now has a P20-million bounty on his head, faces kidnapping charges before three courts across Laguna and Batangas. He has been linked to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) between 2021 and 2022.
Authorities have opened communication lines to the public for information on Ang’s whereabouts, but Mallari warned against providing false leads, noting that the Sim Card Registration Act allows investigators to trace callers who attempt to misdirect authorities.
Mallari also acknowledged that some tips received by the agency were outdated and could not be used in efforts to serve the arrest warrant.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously said authorities received information suggesting that Ang may already be outside the country. Despite this, the NBI maintained that it is likely the tycoon remains in the Philippines, saying they have not received highly credible information confirming his departure.
With Ang’s location still unknown, Mallari urged the fugitive to surrender.
“In order to help out the government and save its resources… If we really have love for the Philippines, maybe the more sensible thing to do is to surrender and face the music. That’s better because you’ll give yourself the opportunity to submit the evidence for yourself,” he added.
