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Philippine law enforcers are stepping up the hunt for 68-year-old gambling lord Charlie “Atong” Ang, now the subject of an international alert by Interpol as part of the investigation into the disappearance of 34 people. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked for the international alert in mid-January, with Ang as the prime suspect in the disappearances of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros in 2021 and 2022. After 10 raids last week, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla announced Tuesday that Ang is still at large, with the description of being an armed and dangerous suspect.
Reward Doubled to PHP20 Million
The reward money for information leading to the capture of Ang has also been doubled, from PHP10 million ($172,700) to PHP20 million ($345,200). Remulla emphasized the seriousness of the manhunt, with kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and kidnapping with homicide warrants issued in connection with the cases against Ang. There are even whispers that Ang might be hiding in Cambodia, although intelligence authorities believe Ang is hiding in the Philippines, keeping a low profile.
An Interpol alert, however, enables authorities in other countries to hold Ang provisionally and subject him to extradition procedures. DILG has rolled out hotlines for public tips, crowdsourcing leads in a case drawing national scrutiny. Ang’s 20 co-accused, including active and retired officers, sit in custody, but the top target slips through.
Ties to Cockfighting and Past Scandals
The missing sabungeros all linked to cockfighting, a staple in Philippine gambling circles where Ang made his name. His profile towers in the sector, once dubbed the top gambler in his hometown by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who even tapped him to curb illegal betting. Back in 2000, Ang featured in a scandal with ex-President Joseph Estrada, accused of routing gambling cash that fueled Estrada’s impeachment saga.
Those brushes kept Ang in headlines, blending underworld clout with political shadows. Now, the disappearances cast him as public enemy one, with raids and alerts closing in. Remulla’s team treats the search as priority, vowing no letup until capture.
Coordinated Raids Yield No Break
Last week’s 10 operations scoured leads but came up empty on Ang. The DILG’s mid-January Interpol request kicked off a multi-agency push, blending local intel with international reach. Hotlines buzz with potential sightings, but verification proves tricky against a figure long adept at evasion.
Co-accused in custody offer threads, but Ang’s freedom stalls full closure. The Ang case exposes the underbelly of cockfighting, which thrives on high-stakes bets and long-held grudges. Authorities have raised the bounty for information on Ang’s whereabouts, offering PHP20 million.
Gambling Ties Fuel National Manhunt
Ang’s gambling roots run deep, from Duterte’s informal ally to Estrada-era flashpoint. The sabungero vanishings tie back to that world, with 34 lives unaccounted since 2021–2022. DILG portrays him as central, armed threat demanding swift action.
Interpol’s Red Notice amps pressure, alerting borders worldwide. Remulla’s resolve, “we’re serious,” echoes in doubled rewards and nonstop raids. As hotlines hum, the hunt tests Philippine resolve against a magnate who knows the shadows well.
High-Stakes Chase Continues
With 20 accomplices locked up, Ang stands alone in the wind, whereabouts unknown despite Cambodia whispers. Intelligence keeps the focus domestic, fueling raids and tips. The PHP20 million pot dangles for breakthroughs, underscoring stakes in a saga blending gambling empires and grave charges. Philippine forces press on, determined to end the evasion of a man whose past scandals now collide with 34 cold cases.
Source: Gambling News
