Executive Summary
- NBI agents searched a beach house in Zambales but failed to locate fugitive tycoon Atong Ang.
- Ang is the only suspect remaining at large out of 22 individuals charged in the “sabungeros” disappearance case.
- The DILG has offered a P10-million reward for Ang’s arrest.
- 17 co-accused were recently arrested by the CIDG under warrants for kidnapping and illegal detention.
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted a search of a beach property in San Antonio, Zambales, on Tuesday in an attempt to locate fugitive gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who remains at large. The operation is part of an ongoing manhunt connected to the high-profile disappearance of over 30 cockfighting enthusiasts.
According to San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo, the investigative team inspected the “AA beach house” located in Barangay San Miguel but failed to locate the businessman on the premises. Mayor Antipolo confirmed that personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had been conducting surveillance on the property for several days leading up to the search. Local residents reportedly stated that Ang had not visited the specific property in several years.
Ang is currently the subject of a nationwide search, facing charges related to the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting aficionados, known locally as “sabungeros.” The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has established a P10-million reward for information leading to his capture. Court records indicate he faces 15 counts of kidnapping and illegal detention, as well as four counts of kidnapping with homicide.
The search operation follows the January 13 arrest of 17 co-accused individuals by the CIDG, executed under warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Authorities note that Ang is the sole suspect among the 22 charged individuals who has not yet been taken into custody.
Investigative Outlook
The continued evasion of capture by a high-profile suspect despite coordinated surveillance highlights the operational challenges facing law enforcement in tracking fugitives with significant resources. The substantial reward offered by the DILG signals the administration’s prioritization of this case, likely due to the significant public pressure surrounding the mass disappearances. As the 17 co-accused await trial, securing the primary suspect remains a critical step for the prosecution to present a complete case regarding the alleged kidnapping ring. It is important to note that all individuals named in criminal investigations, including Charlie “Atong” Ang, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
