Atong sighted in Philippines, evades arrest – DILG

MANILA, Philippines — Manhunt operations for gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang will continue after he was reportedly spotted in an undisclosed location in the Philippines, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced yesterday.

Remulla said an “actionable” intelligence report indicated that Ang was seen in person last week, prompting immediate follow-up operations by law enforcers.

“There was an actionable report of an eyeball contact, meaning he was seen in person. We immediately conducted follow-up operations, but we missed him,” Remulla told a press briefing at Camp Crame.

The development, Remulla said, indicates that Ang is still in the Philippines.

“The last report is that he was seen in the country. I was personally part of the operating team. I went there myself, but we did not catch him,” Remulla said.

Authorities are relying on raw intelligence reports as they continue to validate Ang’s movements, with Remulla noting that the fugitive businessman is believed to be traveling with a small group.

Remulla said the manhunt continues, adding that “anything is possible” as authorities pursue leads on Ang’s whereabouts.

Jonvic: Roque arrest up to authorities

Meanwhile, Remulla clarified that he has no authority to personally arrest Harry Roque, saying any action against the former presidential spokesman would be carried out through proper coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Remulla made the statement after Roque reportedly said that the interior secretary has no power to arrest him while he is abroad.

“When I say arrest, it does not mean I will personally do it. I have no authority to do that. We will coordinate with the necessary authorities,” Remulla told reporters.

“Legal procedures will be done and all proper methods will be carried out if an arrest is warranted,” he added.

Remulla acknowledged his personal ties with Roque, but said this would not affect his duties.

“We have a close relationship, but that will not set aside my responsibility as interior secretary,” Remulla said.

Authorities earlier confirmed that Roque’s Philippine passport has been canceled, although no Interpol red notice has been issued against him.

Roque went into hiding and later left the country after being cited in contempt by the House of Representatives in September 2024 for failing to attend hearings on his alleged links to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities.

A Pampanga court has issued a warrant for his arrest for qualified human trafficking in connection with an illegal POGO hub in Porac.

Roque is in Austria where he is seeking political asylum.