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Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine Star
January 24, 2026 | 12:00am
Charlie “Atong” Ang files criminal charges before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office on July 3, 2025 against Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and Alan Bantiles for false accusations related to the case of missing sabungeros.
The STAR / Michael Varcas
MANILA, Philippines — Frustrated by Charlie “Atong” Ang’s continued defiance of court orders, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla is considering increasing the P10-million reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive gambling tycoon.
Remulla floated the idea after 14 police raids on Ang’s suspected hideouts yielded negative results.
The latest operations were conducted at two properties in Cavite and Pampanga where Ang was reportedly sighted.
Ang went into hiding after courts in Laguna and Batangas issued warrants of arrest against him in connection with the kidnapping and killing of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros.
As Ang continues to evade arrest, Remulla said he may raise the bounty.
“We’re getting close, if I lose my patience, I’ll really increase it,” he said on GMA News’ “Unang Balita.”
Remulla earlier said the reward money would be sourced from the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s funds, describing Ang as the country’s No. 1 most wanted individual for allegedly orchestrating the murder of more than 100 sabungeros.
The Philippine National Police is coordinating with foreign counterparts to verify reports that Ang may have fled to Cambodia or Thailand.
While Remulla believes Ang is still in the country, he acknowledges the possibility that the businessman may have escaped through backdoor routes.
Remulla also warned that Ang remains armed and dangerous despite surrendering five of the six firearms registered under his name.
Given Ang’s reported earnings of around P1 billion a day from gambling operations, Remulla said he could easily acquire loose firearms from the black market.
“With the amount of money he has, he can easily get other firearms,” he said.
Not excluded
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday denied that it had been excluded from the manhunt, amid allegations that Ang has connections within the bureau.
Acting NBI director Angelito Magno said the agency continues to enforce the warrant of arrest, stressing its authority as a law enforcement body.
“We are not excluded. The warrant of arrest is addressed to any law enforcement officer, and the NBI is a law enforcement agency,” Magno told reporters, clarifying remarks made earlier by Remulla. — Mark Ernest Villeza
