Philippine Authorities Investigate Fugitive Tycoon's Possible Escape to Cambodia
MANILA. Philippine authorities are actively investigating reports that fugitive businessman and gaming magnate Charlie "Atong" Ang may have fled the country and could be residing in Cambodia or Thailand. This development follows a press conference held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Whistleblower Tip and Alleged Operations
Secretary Remulla revealed that the tip originated from whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a former associate of Ang. According to the information provided, the tycoon might have slipped out of the Philippines through unmonitored "backdoor" routes. Patidongan alleged that Ang could be operating an online sabong (cockfighting) business across the Cambodia-Thailand border.
In his statement, Remulla said, "According to reports, Charlie Atong Ang was involved in e-sabong operations, so he has his own gaming outfit there in Cambodia. We are now in contact with the police authorities there. Our PNP is already coordinating to obtain more solid information, but as for his repatriation, it may be more effective to wait for the President to speak with his counterpart in Cambodia so they can discuss it directly and have him brought back here immediately, if he is indeed there."
Investigation Details and Legal Actions
Investigators have found no Bureau of Immigration records showing Ang legally exited the country through any monitored airport or seaport. This has led them to believe he may have used unmonitored coastal or land routes, a tactic commonly referred to as a "backdoor" exit.
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ang and his co-accused for kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention, law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, have conducted multiple search operations. These operations targeted his known properties across Metro Manila, Batangas, Pampanga, and Negros Island, but so far, they have failed to locate the missing businessman.
International Cooperation and Bounty
To limit his international movement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has moved to cancel Ang's passport and has sought an International Criminal Police Organization Red Notice to rally global cooperation in his apprehension. Remulla likened the situation to the arrest of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. in Timor Leste last year, which was achieved through cooperation between the leaders of both countries despite extradition prohibitions.
In a significant move, the agency has placed a P10 million bounty for Ang's arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the manhunt and the government's commitment to bringing him to justice.
