PNP: Only Atong Ang still at large out of 22 suspects in ‘sabungeros’ case
Only gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados), has yet to be arrested as of Monday, as his 21 coaccused are already in police custody.
As the search continues for Ang, an official of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police stood by information from the Bureau of Immigration that he is still in the Philippines despite claims by whistleblower Julie Patidongan that he has long escaped.
A Laguna court issued a warrant for Ang and 17 others over kidnapping charges on Jan. 14. A separate warrant for the arrest of four more individuals was issued by a Batangas court two days later.
CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz said at a press briefing in Camp Crame that their intelligence division is currently checking tips on his possible whereabouts.
The tips were sent to the CIDG’s hotlines, which were launched on Friday after the Department of the Interior and Local Government offered a P10-million bounty for any information leading to Ang’s capture.
CIDG National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui told reporters in Camp Crame that so far, they have received 17 text messages providing possible leads on Ang’s whereabouts.
They have also searched over 10 locations based on text messages from people who said they allegedly saw him, including food delivery riders and laborers.
