MANILA — The international manhunt for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has intensified after an Interpol red notice was issued against him in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed.
The issuance of the red notice signals heightened global efforts to locate and arrest Ang, who remains at large while facing charges tied to one of the country’s most high-profile unresolved cases.
“We had follow-up operations. We missed him by a day,” Remulla said.
Authorities disclosed that Ang was last spotted in the Calabarzon region about two weeks ago, but police operatives failed to apprehend him despite close pursuit. Remulla said Ang has been frequently transferring locations every few days to evade arrest.
Despite the announcement, Ang’s name has yet to appear in Interpol’s public database of red notice subjects, raising questions about the timing of its publication.
Ang is among several individuals charged with kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros from April 2021 to January 2022.
The cases span multiple areas in Luzon, including Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Rizal, and Metro Manila. At least one victim was reportedly abducted from his home, underscoring the brazenness of the alleged operations.
Earlier, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alleged that some police officers were involved in the abductions and killings. He also implicated Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto in the case.
Authorities have already issued arrest warrants against Ang and other suspects. Ang, however, has consistently denied all allegations against him./PN
