PNP probing cops who helped Atong evade arrest

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

January 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is probing the possible involvement of active and retired police officers who may have provided security or assistance to businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is facing criminal charges linked to the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.

According to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Ang has no officially recorded police security detail, leading authorities to presume that his protection came from private guards.

During a briefing yesterday at Camp Crame, Tuaño said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) continues to gather intelligence to identify individuals who may have aided Ang, including seasoned police officers.

“There are active and retired personnel who may be involved. The chief PNP has ordered the study of possible administrative and criminal cases,” he said, adding that even senior officers are included in the probe.

Information pointing to the possible involvement of four retired generals is also being validated, although authorities have yet to determine the exact number of individuals who may have assisted Ang.

The CIDG revealed that it has received 17 tips on Ang’s possible whereabouts, a few days after authorities released a wanted poster offering a P10-million reward for his arrest.

CIDG-National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui said the reports were sent through text messages and phone calls, which are now being validated and investigated across multiple locations, including farms in Porac, Pampanga and Rosario, Batangas.

“Yesterday we had operations in Central Luzon and earlier in Southern Luzon, but unfortunately these yielded negative results. We continue our efforts,” Guiagui said.

He also denied claims circulating online that the search operations were “scripted” or staged.

“We will not tire, stay awake and spend resources just to search for Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang if this were scripted. We are sacrificing time, health and life, and to say it’s scripted is simply disrespectful,” he said.

Meanwhile, firearms and Explosives Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Manalad Jr. said Ang’s registered firearms are now considered illegal “loose firearms” following the revocation of his license to own and possess firearms.

Manalad said Ang has six registered firearms – three pistols, two rifles and one revolver – covered by a Type 5 license, which allows the holder to acquire 15 or more firearms.

“There is no deadline, but we are giving ample time for the family or immediate relatives to recover and surrender the firearms,” he said, noting that authorities may apply for search warrants if the weapons are not turned over.

CIDG spokesperson Maj. Helen dela Cruz said information has already been received in connection with the P10-million reward offered for Ang’s arrest, with tips now being validated by intelligence units, but she declined to disclose further details due to intelligence considerations.

Authorities, however, have no confirmed record of Ang leaving the country but assured the public that all exit and entry points have been alerted following the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

“In the past two days, we conducted two operations in Porac and in Laguna based on information that he was supposedly there, but both turned out to be negative,” Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

“We have the third-largest coastline, or fourth-largest in the world… But when it comes to formal entry and exit, those are tightly controlled. As of now, we are confident that he is still here. He has not left the country,” he added. — Rainier Allan Ronda