The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintains that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang remains in the Philippines, brushing off speculation that the fugitive has escaped abroad.
During an ambush interview on Monday, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters that law enforcement is currently vetting claims that Ang managed to flee the country.
“If there were reports that he fled already leaving our country, we are verifying that,” Nartatez said.
“But with the strongest possibility, nandito siya sa Pilipinas,” the police chief added.
Nartatez pointed out that the most recent verified intelligence points to Ang still hiding somewhere in the archipelago.
“The last known place na pinuntahan niya, of course, is matagal na ‘yon, dito pa rin sa Pilipinas,” Nartatez said.
Back in April, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that Ang had been tracked travelling across different areas in the Calabarzon region to dodge capture.
Remulla shared that Ang frequently moves between safe houses every few days, guarded by a small security detail to stay off the authorities’ radar.
A ₱20-million bounty has been placed on Ang’s head for any details leading to his capture regarding his alleged role in the disappearance and deaths of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros.”
Officials added that Ang is also covered by an International Police Organization (Interpol) red notice, which allows international police organizations to trace and temporarily hold him if he surfaces abroad.