Authorities on Thursday intensified the nationwide manhunt for gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, announcing a ₱10-million reward for information that would lead to his arrest and revoking all firearm licenses issued to him. The move comes a day after a local court ordered Ang’s arrest as the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and killing of cockfighting aficionados, commonly known as sabungeros, who went missing between 2021 and 2022.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, together with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Immigration, disclosed the latest developments during a press briefing, stressing that the government is applying “maximum pressure” to locate and apprehend Ang. Police described him as “armed and dangerous,” noting that he had been known to confront authority aggressively in the past.
According to the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Ang previously held a Type 5 firearm license, allowing possession of 15 or more firearms. Records show that he owned six registered guns—two rifles and four handguns—all of which have now been ordered surrendered to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office. Authorities said Ang’s lawyers have been formally notified of the revocation.
₱10-M Bounty Set as Police Intensify Hunt for Atong Ang in Sabungero Killings
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said police teams had already attempted to serve the arrest warrant at Ang’s known properties in Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, Lipa City in Batangas, and Siniloan in Laguna, but were unable to locate him. Despite this, officials believe Ang was still in the country when the warrant was issued.
To prevent any possible escape, the PNP has placed airports and seaports under heightened monitoring, while tracker teams and intelligence units have been deployed nationwide. The National Bureau of Investigation has also formed its own teams to assist in serving the warrant.
All 17 of Ang’s co-accused—including 10 police officers and seven civilians—are already in custody. The charges filed involve multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention, covering 26 victims, although earlier reports cited up to 34 missing sabungeros.
PNP officials urged Ang to surrender, emphasizing that compliance with the court order is inevitable and that facing the charges is the proper course if he maintains his claim of innocence.
