Manhunt for Atong Ang continues – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues its intensified manhunt for gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is wanted for the murders of cockfight aficionados.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police teams had raided nearly 20 properties of Ang, some of which were visited up to three times, but to no avail.

“We have several manhunt teams and other units exerting effort. We have checked his addresses. So far, the results have been negative,” Nartatez said yesterday at a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Nartatez said authorities were also monitoring Ang’s close associates and had verified reports about his alleged presence on islands across the country, which also turned out negative.

The PNP is coordinating with international partners amid the possibility that Ang may have used another identity to leave the country.

“But based on our indicators, the fugitive is still here,” Nartatez said.

He added that the intensified manhunt operations also covered other fugitives, including former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, former lawmaker Zaldy Co and three members of Sunwest, as well as thousands of other wanted people.

Ang has been in hiding after warrants for his arrest were issued by the Laguna and Batangas regional trial courts for the murders of over 100 cockfight aficionados.