Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed personnel to Cambodia to verify reports that fugitive businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang is seeking refuge there, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday. In a television interview, Remulla mentioned that information suggesting Ang may have already fled to Cambodia originated from Julie Patidongan, a former associate of Ang who is now a government witness in the case involving the missing cockfight enthusiasts.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla emphasized the importance of considering all possibilities, stating, "It's a suspicion and you cannot rule out anything, so lahat pinupuntahan, lahat titingnan, nandun na 'yung mga pulis namin ngayon (so we check places, we check everything, our police are there now)." The PNP personnel are in coordination with their Cambodian counterparts to verify Ang's alleged presence there.

On Monday, Col. John Guiagui, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), indicated that efforts are underway to confirm reports of Ang's escape to Cambodia or Thailand. Despite the lack of verified physical sightings, Guiagui assured that police will continue searching for Ang within the country. Police have already searched 18 locations in the Philippines but have yet to locate Ang.

Remulla expressed his belief that Ang is operating with "at least PHP10 billion in cash." Ang has been declared the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) most wanted person in connection with the disappearance of more than 30 cockfight enthusiasts. A PHP10-million reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.