The Philippine National Police (PNP) is verifying reports that gambling businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang may have fled the country while authorities continue searching for him over the alleged kidnapping and killing of at least 34 missing sabungeros. Police officials said there is still no confirmed evidence that Ang has left the Philippines, as investigators continue tracking his whereabouts and pursuing the criminal cases filed against him.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday that it is still verifying reports claiming that gambling businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has fled the Philippines while authorities continue their nationwide manhunt in connection with one of the country’s most controversial criminal cases involving the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, more popularly known as sabungeros.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police investigators have not yet confirmed reports circulating that Ang had already escaped abroad. According to the country’s top police official, the last verified information available to law enforcement still placed Ang within Philippine territory. He stressed that authorities are carefully checking all intelligence reports before making any conclusion regarding the businessman’s whereabouts.
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The police chief explained that while rumors continue to spread that Ang may have already left the country, investigators have yet to gather solid evidence proving that claim. Because of this, the PNP remains focused on tracking every possible lead while coordinating with different law enforcement agencies to determine whether the businessman remains inside the Philippines or has successfully crossed international borders.
Authorities emphasized that verifying such information is important because inaccurate reports could mislead ongoing operations and divert police resources. Investigators are working closely with immigration authorities and intelligence units to monitor possible travel records and movements connected to the businessman.
Charlie “Atong” Ang is currently facing serious criminal accusations after courts in Laguna and Batangas issued warrants in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of at least 34 sabungeros who disappeared between 2021 and 2022. The victims were reportedly accused of cheating during online cockfighting operations, commonly known as e-sabong, before they mysteriously vanished.
The disappearance of the sabungeros shocked the entire country and became one of the Philippines’ most disturbing unresolved criminal cases. Families of the missing men have spent years searching for answers while appealing to government authorities to bring those responsible to justice. Many relatives have continued hoping that their loved ones might still be found alive despite the passage of several years.
The missing sabungeros came from different provinces and backgrounds. Many were ordinary Filipinos who regularly joined cockfighting events either as bettors, handlers, or enthusiasts. Their sudden disappearance sparked widespread concern and fueled calls for stronger government action against criminal activities linked to illegal operations surrounding e-sabong.
As investigations continued over the past several years, authorities gathered testimonies, surveillance records, and other evidence that eventually resulted in criminal complaints and court-issued warrants against several individuals allegedly involved in the case.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously disclosed that police nearly captured Ang during an operation at a residence in Cavite earlier this year. According to Remulla, authorities received intelligence about the businessman’s location and immediately planned a police raid. However, Ang reportedly managed to leave the property just one day before law enforcement officers arrived, allowing him to avoid arrest.
The Interior Secretary said the near arrest demonstrated how difficult it has been for authorities to locate the businessman despite continuous surveillance efforts. He revealed that Ang allegedly moved frequently between different areas in the Calabarzon region to avoid being tracked by police.
Based on intelligence information, Remulla said Ang supposedly traveled with only a small group of trusted companions and rarely stayed in one place for an extended period. Investigators believe this strategy made it harder for authorities to monitor his movements and plan successful operations.
Law enforcement officials have continued expanding surveillance operations throughout nearby provinces while coordinating with local police units to monitor possible sightings and gather fresh intelligence.
The investigation also gained renewed public attention after whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known by the aliases Totoy and Dondon, came forward with information regarding the disappearance of the sabungeros. Patidongan claimed that Ang had allegedly fled to Cambodia to avoid arrest by Philippine authorities.
His statements immediately attracted nationwide attention because they suggested that the businessman might already be outside Philippine jurisdiction. The information prompted government authorities to coordinate with foreign counterparts in an effort to verify the claim.
However, Cambodian authorities later contradicted the report. The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed that Charlie “Atong” Ang was not in Cambodia based on their available records and monitoring. This statement weakened speculation that the businessman had already escaped to the Southeast Asian nation.
Despite the denial from Cambodian authorities, Philippine investigators said they would continue examining all possible leads regarding Ang’s whereabouts. Officials explained that international coordination remains important whenever there are reports suggesting that wanted individuals may have crossed borders.
The PNP stressed that investigations remain active and that police are committed to locating everyone facing criminal charges related to the disappearance of the sabungeros. Authorities also reminded the public that individuals with pending arrest warrants remain subject to legal processes and law enforcement operations.
Officials emphasized that finding Ang is considered an important part of ensuring accountability in the highly publicized case. Investigators believe that bringing all suspects before the courts would allow prosecutors to present evidence and enable the judicial system to determine criminal responsibility based on due process.
The case has continued to receive widespread public interest because of its scale and the large number of families still searching for justice. Human rights advocates and legal observers have repeatedly called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to determine exactly what happened to the missing sabungeros.
The controversy also contributed to increased scrutiny of e-sabong operations, which became extremely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its peak, online cockfighting generated billions of pesos in wagers but also attracted criticism due to concerns over gambling addiction, organized crime, and alleged violence connected to the industry.
Public outrage over the disappearance of the sabungeros eventually became one of the major reasons behind stronger government actions against e-sabong. The issue sparked congressional inquiries, police investigations, and renewed discussions on regulating gambling activities across the country.
For the families of the missing men, however, the investigation is about more than policy changes. Many continue to wait for answers regarding the fate of their loved ones while hoping that authorities can finally solve the mystery that has haunted them for years.
The Philippine National Police assured the public that operations against all wanted individuals connected to the case will continue. Authorities said they remain committed to pursuing every available lead, verifying reports carefully, coordinating with both local and international agencies, and ensuring that those accused in the disappearance of the sabungeros will eventually face the country’s justice system. / aptikons