Manila: Police said Monday they received 40 hotline tips on the possible whereabouts of fugitive businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang. At a press briefing at Camp Crame, Col. John Guiagui, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), said most tips pointed to locations in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and the Bicol Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the reported sightings occurred before the arrest warrants were issued against Ang, who is accused of masterminding the disappearance of more than a dozen cockfighting enthusiasts. Guiagui also mentioned that efforts are underway to verify reports that Ang may have fled the country, possibly to Cambodia or Thailand. However, without confirmed physical sightings, police will continue their search within the country.
"Hangga't wala naman siya sa ibang bansa at andito siya, 100 percent 'yung [hopes] natin na mahahanap natin siya (As long as he's not abroad and he's here, we're 100 percent hopeful that we'll find him)," Guiagui added. Police teams have already searched 14 locations across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon but have not yet located the businessman. These searches included a home in Pasig City, two properties in Mandaluyong, and a penthouse in Quezon City.
Authorities are continuing to investigate three more locations in Metro Manila, though Guiagui declined to provide further details due to ongoing operations. "Visayas, Mindanao up to Luzon, nag-effort tayo. Kung ano ang dumating sa atin na information (We exert efforts in Visayas, Mindanao up to Luzon. Whatever information reaching us), we are validating," Guiagui said.
The CIDG has also subpoenaed the notary public who notarized the affidavit submitted by Ang's camp regarding a missing rifle. Ang's camp surrendered five of his six registered firearms to the Mandaluyong City Police Station last Wednesday, following the Philippine National Police's (PNP) cancellation of his gun licenses as part of efforts to capture him. His legal team stated that the sixth firearm, a rifle, was lost in October 2025, supported by an affidavit of loss.
Guiagui emphasized that Ang is still considered armed and dangerous despite surrendering five firearms. "Ang dami niyang bodyguards and associates wanting to protect him. Paano mo mapo-protektahan ang isang tao? You should be armed also (He has a lot of bodyguards and associates wanting to protect him. How can you protect someone? You should be armed also). So we still consider him armed and dangerous," he said.
