The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially classified businessman and gaming magnate Charlie "Atong" Ang as the Philippines' number one most wanted person. This declaration comes in connection with his alleged role in the series of disappearances involving cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros.
P10 Million Bounty for Arrest
In a press conference held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that a P10 million bounty has been placed for Ang's capture. The reward money will be drawn from the DILG's Intelligence Fund.
"We can probably consider Atong Ang as the number one most wanted in the entire Philippines at present," Secretary Remulla stated. "He is accused of killing maybe over 100 missing sabungeros."
Vast Resources vs. Government Pursuit
Remulla acknowledged Ang's significant wealth, reportedly amassed during the peak of the e-sabong industry. He noted that operations were earning an estimated P1 billion a day for about three years, granting Ang substantial resources to evade authorities.
"You can imagine what kind of resources he has to hide, use force, hire bodyguards, and secure hideouts," Remulla said. However, he expressed strong confidence that the government's resolve, backed by the substantial bounty, would prevail. "That P10 million reward is sufficient... to make it extremely difficult for him to buy his freedom. It is hard to fight the Philippine government."
Considered Armed and Dangerous
Despite the reported revocation of his firearms license, the DILG chief warned that Ang should be considered "armed and dangerous." He highlighted that Ang is known to travel with a security detail of no fewer than 20 bodyguards and has a history of violent confrontations.
"He is accustomed to confronting authorities violently and to using violent means to solve his problems," Remulla emphasized. He assured the public that police would take all necessary measures to protect themselves and apprehend Ang, but guaranteed that there would be no extrajudicial killings (EJK) involved in the operation.
Warrant Issued, Manhunt Intensifies
The manhunt follows an arrest warrant issued by a Laguna court on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The warrant charges Ang and 17 others—including 10 active policemen, one dismissed officer, and seven civilians—with kidnapping with homicide. The charges relate to the disappearances of 34 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022.
The other individuals named in the warrant include former security personnel and employees of cockfighting arenas linked to Ang. As of the announcement, Ang is the sole remaining fugitive from that group.
To aid in the international search, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Ang, although authorities believe he is still within the country. Secretary Remulla ended the conference with a call for Ang to surrender voluntarily to face the charges against him.
