MANILA, Philippines — Authorities came close to capturing businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who revealed that the fugitive was recently spotted within the country.
In a television interview, Remulla disclosed that law enforcers received a credible “eyewitness sighting” of Ang on April 9, but arrived too late to apprehend him.
“Hindi namin naabutan, pero may actual report na nakita siya rito,” Remulla said, indicating that authorities just missed their chance to catch him.
Based on this development, the DILG chief believes Ang has not left the Philippines.
Earlier reports suggested that the businessman might have fled abroad, with possible locations including Vietnam and Cambodia. However, the Bureau of Immigration said it has no record of Ang departing the country.
Ang has been evading arrest since warrants were issued by courts in Region IV-A earlier this year. The government has since raised a ₱20-million reward for information leading to his capture.
He is facing serious charges, including kidnapping with homicide and illegal detention, in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, popularly known as the “missing sabungeros,” who have been unaccounted for since 2021.
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