Is Atong Ang Still in the Philippines?
JONVIC REMULLA – The Interior and Local Government Secretary reported that businessman Atong Ang, who is facing allegations linked to the missing sabungeros case, was seen in Calabarzon around two weeks ago, but authorities were unable to arrest him despite close monitoring efforts.
Remulla stated that Ang is under an Interpol Red Notice and has been actively evading arrest by frequently moving between different locations. He explained that based on intelligence reports, Ang has been transferring from one hideout to another every three to five days, making it difficult for law enforcement to track his exact whereabouts. Authorities believe he travels with a very small group and continues to move across different areas in the country to avoid detection.
He also revealed that follow-up police operations were conducted after Ang was last spotted, but authorities arrived just a day too late to apprehend him. Despite these setbacks, monitoring and pursuit efforts continue.
Previously, Remulla said there were also reports that Ang may have left the Philippines and could currently be in Vietnam. He shared that Philippine authorities are coordinating with their counterparts there to verify immigration records and confirm whether he is indeed in the country. He added that local law enforcement and international agencies are working together under existing agreements that would allow a suspect to be returned to the Philippines if required.
According to Remulla, it is possible that Ang had already left the country before arrest warrants were fully enforced. He described reports suggesting that the businessman may have exited through an unofficial route in Mindanao, passed through Malaysia, and later reached Vietnam about two weeks before authorities intensified their operations.
The case against Ang is connected to serious criminal accusations, including kidnapping with homicide and illegal detention, which are linked to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts known as the “missing sabungeros.” Ang has denied all allegations against him.