The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed confidence that authorities will soon apprehend businessman Atong Ang and former Ako Bicol Part-List Representative Zaldy Co, both of whom are facing high-profile cases.
According to PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., police operations are ongoing, utilizing established plans and coordination with various agencies to track down the two individuals.
Cases Against Atong Ang
Ang and several other accused are facing charges of kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts. In April, an Interpol red notice was issued against Ang, and he was reportedly sighted in the Calabarzon region. A PHP 20 million bounty has been offered for information leading to his whereabouts.
Cases Against Zaldy Co
A warrant of arrest has been issued against Co and 17 others, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp., in relation to an anomalous flood control project. The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against Co before the Sandiganbayan over the alleged PHP 289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Both individuals have denied the allegations.
On April 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Co had been arrested in Prague after being stopped at the German border due to issues with his travel documents. However, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida later clarified that Co was no longer in the custody of Czech authorities. Reports indicate that Co was last seen in France on May 1.
