P20 Million on the Line: Government Doubles Down on Hunt for Fugitive Tycoon Atong Ang
Hanap pa rin siya ng buong bansa — and now the reward is even more worth talking about. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has doubled down on its hunt for fugitive businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, raising the government bounty on his head from P10 million to a whopping P20 million. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the announcement on February 12 during a press conference in Quezon City, saying the government is dead serious about bringing Ang to justice.
Atong Ang, whose real name is Charlie Sy Ang, is wanted in connection with the high-profile case involving the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros — cockfighting bettors — who went missing after participating in government-sanctioned online sabong during the Duterte administration. The case, which became one of the most disturbing scandals of that era, implicated several high-ranking officials and left dozens of families still waiting for answers. Ang, who had powerful political connections and ran several businesses including a popular lottery franchise, has remained at large despite multiple legal proceedings.
"We are increasing the bounty for Atong Ang to P20 million, for information leading to his arrest," Remulla declared. The DILG chief did not mince words, noting that the fugitive's continued evasion of authorities is an affront to the rule of law. He urged anyone with credible information about Ang's whereabouts — whether in the Philippines or abroad — to come forward, assuring that informants would be protected and the full reward paid upon a verified and successful arrest.
Law enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation have been coordinating the manhunt, which has extended beyond Philippine shores. Intelligence reports have suggested that Ang may have fled the country shortly before warrants were served, and authorities have been working with Interpol and foreign counterparts to trace his movements. The PNP earlier confirmed that a lookout bulletin has been issued against Ang and that exit records are being scrutinized.
The P20 million bounty is now one of the largest offered by the Philippine government for a fugitive's capture, reflecting the gravity of the charges Ang faces. Families of the missing sabungeros continue to demand accountability, with some filing civil cases and joining advocacy groups calling for justice. For them, the raised bounty is a step in the right direction — pero hindi pa sapat hangga't hindi nahaharap sa hustisya ang mga may pananagutan. Source: ABS-CBN News, Philstar.com, Rappler, PNA, Manila Times
