The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for gaming magnate Charlie "Atong" Ang, issuing orders to monitor all ports and airports to prevent his escape. This action follows the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ang and 17 others for kidnapping with homicide, related to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros.
Nationwide Alert and Call for Surrender
PNP Acting Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all units to coordinate closely with the Bureau of Immigration. All seaports and airports across the country are now under "heightened monitoring" as part of the intensified search for the businessman. Nartatez emphasized that the most logical step for Ang is to surrender voluntarily to face the charges against him.
"The most logical option for him is to surrender because the PNP is determined to comply with the arrest warrant issued by the court," stated Nartatez. He added that if Ang is innocent, as he claims, he should be more encouraged to submit to the legal process. The PNP has mobilized dedicated tracker teams and intelligence units to ensure none of the suspects evade arrest.
Warrant Details and Accused Individuals
A Laguna court issued the arrest warrant on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, targeting Ang and 17 co-accused. The list includes ten active police officers, one dismissed policeman, and seven civilians. These individuals, comprising former security personnel and employees of cockfighting arenas connected to Ang, are implicated in the cases of kidnapping with homicide. The disappearances of the sabungeros occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The PNP's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is leading the effort to serve the warrants. As of the latest reports, Atong Ang remains the only individual among all those ordered arrested who is still at large.
Legal Defense and Constitutional Challenge
In response to the warrant, Ang's legal counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, has criticized the move as premature. Villareal contends that the arrest order violates his client's constitutional rights. He asserted that they will exhaust all legal remedies to challenge the warrant and provide Ang an opportunity to contest it in court.
The case stems from a Senate inquiry into the missing sabungeros, where Atong Ang previously testified on Monday, March 21, 2022. The ongoing police operation underscores the gravity of the allegations and the authorities' resolve to bring all suspects to justice.
