PH Politics

Authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Tuesday inspected the AA beach house of gaming operator Charlie “Atong” Ang in Barangay San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, but did not find him there, Mayor Arvin Antipolo said, as the nationwide manhunt for Ang—identified by police as the only remaining fugitive among 22 suspects in the “sabungeros” disappearance cases—continued with coordinated operations, surveillance of his known properties, and joint enforcement efforts by national law enforcement agencies.

Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Monday voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Manila after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against him in connection with an alleged anomalous flood control project scandal. Revilla confirmed in a Facebook video that he received information about the warrant, and his office later stated that he chose to surrender. The case arises from charges filed before the Sandiganbayan following investigations into questioned flood control projects, which led the anti-graft court to find probable cause and order his arrest.

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.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has renewed its call for current and former Philippine police officers and other law enforcement personnel to testify in its ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign, inviting confidential submissions of testimony and evidence under the Rome Statute framework.

International Criminal Court prosecutors renewed their call for Philippine police officers, victims, and other witnesses to testify in the ongoing investigation into alleged killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign in the Philippines. The Office of the Prosecutor invited individuals with direct knowledge of drug war operations to contact the ICC through secure channels and assured potential witnesses of available protection measures. Prosecutors continue to gather evidence on alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, focusing on potential individual criminal responsibility and the court’s jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.