Bounty raised to P20 million as 3rd arrest warrant issued vs Atong Ang

National

A REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) in San Pablo City, Laguna has issued a third arrest warrant against fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

As the nationwide manhunt intensified, the government raised the reward for information leading to Anga’s capture to ₱20 million, a Philstar report stated.

The fresh warrant, signed by Branch 29 of the Laguna RTC, directs law enforcement to arrest Ang and five co-accused in connection with kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges tied to the disappearance of several “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) between 2021 and 2022 — cases previously filed before courts in Laguna and Batangas.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the bounty increase during a press briefing on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Remulla said the ₱20 million reward is sourced from confidential funds of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to incentivize credible tips that could lead to Ang’s arrest.

Remulla reiterated authorities’ seriousness in locating Ang, a once prominent online gaming and sabong figure who has remained at large since initial warrants were issued.

Remulla noted that the elevated bounty doubles the previous ₱10 million reward and aims to widen public cooperation in the intensified search effort.(Victoria Diana, USJR Comm Intern)