Atong Ang bounty raised to P20 million

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has raised the bounty for information leading to the arrest of fugitive businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang to ₱20 million.

“We are increasing the bounty for Atong Ang to ₱20 million, for information leading to his arrest. We’re serious here,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday, noting the reward will come from confidential funds allocated to the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Ang faces three active warrants of arrest as the principal accused in the disappearance of 34 “sabungeros” allegedly linked to game-fixing in cockfighting. His 20 co-accused, including dismissed and active police officers, have already been apprehended.

Remulla said the manhunt continues despite reports that Ang may have fled abroad, particularly to Cambodia. “We really believe nandito pa siya (he is still in the country),” he said, adding that Cambodian authorities have confirmed he is not in their territory.

In a related crackdown, the PNP vowed to intensify efforts against illegal online cockfighting, or e-sabong. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police commanders at all levels have been tasked to assist the Anti-Cybercrime Group with monitoring and intelligence on e-sabong operations.

“We in the Philippine National Police remain focused in the campaign to stop all forms of illegal gambling. In the case of online sabong, there are difficulties that are faced along the way, especially with the evolving nature of cybercrimes,” Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP, through the ACG and Intelligence Group, continues tracking and shutting down illegal e-sabong operations in line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Remulla to eliminate all forms of illegal gambling.