Manila: The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) announced that it has received several tips regarding the possible whereabouts of fugitive businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang. The information is currently under validation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Col. John Guiagui, CIDG chief in the National Capital Region (NCR), revealed that 17 tipsters have contacted the CIDG hotlines with potential leads on Ang's location. The CIDG's Intelligence Division is actively verifying these reports. During a press briefing at Camp Crame, CIDG information chief Maj. Helen Dela Cruz confirmed the receipt of the information and the ongoing validation process.

Col. Guiagui noted that more than 10 locations have been searched so far, with the majority situated in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Bicol Region. However, he refrained from specifying the exact locations. The government has offered a PHP10-million reward for information leading to Ang's arrest, who is the primary suspect in the disappearance of over a dozen cockfight enthusiasts.

Ang faces multiple charges, with at least two arrest warrants issued against him in Laguna and Batangas for kidnapping, kidnapping with homicide, and serious illegal detention. To aid in the manhunt, the CIDG has released a wanted poster of Ang.

Citing the Bureau of Immigration, Maj. Dela Cruz stated that Ang remains in the Philippines, countering claims by whistleblower Julie Patidongan that Ang had left the country. During the same briefing, Brig. Gen. Jose Manalad, Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) chief, reported that the licenses to own and possess firearms (LTOPFs) of Ang's four co-accused have been revoked. Ang's own LTOPF was revoked last Wednesday as part of the efforts to capture him.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o mentioned that acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to identify police officers who may be aiding Ang. Tua±o indicated that both criminal and administrative charges could be filed against these officers. Additionally, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that four retired police generals are under investigation for alleged connections to Ang. The PNP is also examining these individuals, though their identities remain undisclosed.