Atong Ang constantly evades arrest, only moves across Calabarzon—DILG

Despite the follow-up operations, gambling tycoon ‘Atong’ Ang has been evading arrest by relocating around Calabarzon every two days starting last April, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on May 8.

Ang is facing charges of kidnapping and homicide of at least 34 cockfighting aficionados or sabungeros in Luzon between 2021 and 2022.

Remulla emphasized that the authorities quickly organized a strike team after receiving local intelligence about Ang’s location, but the suspect had already fled by the time operatives came.

“We acted very fast, as fast as we could. Full force ang CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group). I think, 300 ‘yung raiding team namin na pumasok sa lugar. Pero wala na pala pagdating namin,” Remulla said.

Further, Remulla rejected the idea that someone knew of the police’s operation, highlighting that it was planned just two hours before the raid and officers were not permitted to utilize their cellphones during the mission. 

“So apparently ang MO (modus operandi) nila every two days ikot lang sila ng ikot sa iba’t ibang lugar,” he added, noting that this made Ang difficult to catch.

Unable to locate Ang, authorities secured an Interpol red notice against him on 16 April, requesting law enforcement agencies worldwide to find and arrest a person with pending extradition or similar legal action like him.

Philippine National Police (PNP) strengthened its investigation as well into alleged illegal online cockfighting operations in Negros Occidental and Talisay City and other areas, linking Ang to the activities in alleged involvement in illegal e-sabong operations.

A P20 million reward will be given for information leading to Ang’s arrest as a leeway for the enforcement gaps.