Manhunt for Fugitive Businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang Intensifies Across 18 Locations
Philippine authorities have ramped up efforts to locate Charlie "Atong" Ang, a fugitive businessman wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal activities. Over the past 20 days, police teams have conducted searches at 18 different locations, yet Ang remains at large, evading capture despite an extensive nationwide operation.
Interior Secretary Confident in International Cooperation
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed confidence that Ang's options are narrowing, even if reports suggest he has fled to Cambodia. In a recent interview at Camp Crame, Remulla emphasized that the Philippines' extradition treaties and its current chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will facilitate coordination with neighboring countries like Cambodia and Thailand, where Ang is also suspected to be hiding.
"His world is getting smaller. If he is in Cambodia, we have extradition agreements, and we will get him," Remulla stated, highlighting the government's resolve to bring Ang to justice. This strategic advantage is expected to streamline cross-border law enforcement efforts, making it harder for Ang to find safe haven abroad.
Arrest Warrants and Reward Offered
Ang faces multiple arrest warrants issued by two courts, related to the disappearance of several individuals connected to his cockfighting operations. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially classified him as a Most Wanted Person, underscoring the severity of the charges. To expedite his capture, a substantial reward of PHP10 million is being offered for any information that leads directly to his arrest, encouraging public cooperation in the manhunt.
Alleged Interference in Police Investigation
In a concerning development, National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan revealed that Ang attempted to interfere with the investigation into police officers linked to the case last year. Calinisan disclosed that on July 12, Ang contacted a close friend of his shortly after government witness Julie Patidongan filed a complaint against the involved policemen.
"Atong Ang himself made that call to someone very close to me. The question is why did he try to intervene in the case for the policemen? Why does he have an interest in this case that he himself called up a friend very close to me? That call says a lot," Calinisan remarked. He stressed that such actions raise serious concerns about undue influence, but assured that the Napolcom remains steadfast and impervious to external pressures, regardless of wealth or status.
The ongoing investigation continues to unfold as authorities remain vigilant, leveraging both domestic resources and international alliances to apprehend Ang and ensure accountability in this high-profile case.
