The Philippine National Police on Friday warned friends, associates, and acquaintances of Charlie “Atong” Ang that they could face criminal liability if they help him evade arrest as authorities intensify a nationwide manhunt.
Police said tracker units and intelligence teams have been expanded to monitor possible routes and locations that Ang may use while avoiding authorities. These include suspected backdoor exits that could be used to leave the country, the PNP said.
Ang is the principal suspect in kidnapping cases linked to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, in 2021.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said authorities expect Ang to rely on his wealth and connections to avoid arrest. Nartatez urged Ang to face the charges in court instead of remaining in hiding.
“We expect him to use his huge reserve of resources to avoid being caught. But I advise him to use that instead to defend himself in court rather than playing hide and seek with us because he will be arrested eventually,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it has coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organization to strengthen the manhunt in case Ang has already left the country.
Authorities said about 320,000 police personnel have been mobilized nationwide to locate Ang, who has been described by the Department of the Interior and Local Government as the “most wanted criminal in the country.”
The PNP earlier canceled Ang’s gun permits following the issuance of an arrest warrant. Authorities have also announced a reward of up to 10 million pesos for information leading to his arrest.
Nartatez called on the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure Ang faces the accusations filed against him.
