Manila: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has instructed police officers to employ body cameras during their search operations for businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang. This measure is intended to prevent potential bribery incidents that could facilitate Ang's escape.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ang has been designated as the most wanted individual by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in connection with the disappearance of over 30 "sabungeros" (cockfight enthusiasts). A PHP10 million bounty has been placed on his arrest. Remulla expressed concern over the possibility of extortion during raids and emphasized the necessity of body cameras to ensure transparency and accountability.
Remulla highlighted Ang's substantial connections and financial resources as significant obstacles to his swift arrest, pointing out that Ang earns at least PHP1 billion daily from his gambling operations. Despite searches conducted at six of Ang's properties, the police have yet to locate him. The gambling tycoon was last reportedly seen at one of his residences in Mandaluyong.
Additionally, Remulla stated that there is no evidence suggesting that any active or retired police officials are harboring Ang. However, there are speculations that Ang might have fled to Cambodia or Thailand, possibly establishing an online gambling network on the border of the two countries. This information was provided by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, a former associate of Ang. Remulla mentioned that there are no records of Ang leaving the country through official ports, and the government has not yet contacted Cambodia or Thailand as they continue to verify these reports.
In a related development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that Ang, through his legal counsel Gabriel Villareal, surrendered five out of his six firearms after the revocation of their licenses. The firearms, which include various rifles and handguns, were handed over to the Mauway police sub-station 6 in Mandaluyong City. Villareal noted that one firearm, a .260 caliber rifle, was lost by Ang in October 2025 and could not be surrendered. FEO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Manalad confirmed that the firearms are still with the Mandaluyong police and have not yet been received by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office.
