National authorities continued an intensified manhunt this week for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, the fugitive gambler wanted on kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention charges connected to the high-profile “missing sabungeros” case, amid unverified online speculation that he may be hiding in Leyte with the help of a local politician.
Ang, who remains at large despite multiple arrest warrants issued in January 2026, has been labeled by the Department of the Interior and Local Government as one of the country’s top “most wanted” fugitives, with authorities offering a Php10 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described him as “armed and dangerous,” and warned that law enforcement will exhaust all resources to take him into custody.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have repeatedly cautioned the public against providing shelter or assistance to Ang, stating that doing so could result in criminal charges.
PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said tracker and intelligence units are monitoring all possible routes to prevent Ang’s departure from the Philippines and urged his allies to stop helping him evade arrest.
“We expect him to use his huge reserve of resources to avoid being caught,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Despite these official statements, rumors have circulated on social media alleging that Ang may be hiding in Leyte and receiving protection from a local politician.
However, there is no verified reporting from established news organizations confirming such claims or identifying any public official as assisting Ang in Leyte or elsewhere.
National and regional reporting has focused on law enforcement efforts, including credible leads on Ang’s last known whereabouts developed by the NBI, and attempts to serve warrants at his properties in Zambales, where agents found him absent.
In connection with the missing sabungeros case, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan has made broad allegations about individuals allegedly involved, but his statements have not been independently verified by authorities or court records to support speculation about Ang’s exact location or political collusion.
Patidongan previously challenged Ang and other figures to a lie detector test over his claims, which included contention over who may have influenced case outcomes.
The DOJ and police continue to emphasize that the manhunt and investigation are ongoing. Courts have issued arrest warrants against Ang and 17 co-accused for their alleged connection to the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, a case that has drawn national attention and prompted calls from victim families urging Ang to surrender if he maintains his innocence.
At present, any reports tying Ang to Leyte or implicating a specific politician in helping him remain unsubstantiated rumors, not verified facts, and official law enforcement sources are urging the public to rely on credible information and to report leads to authorities.
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