Atong Ang FILE

The government has intensified its crackdown on the high-profile case of the missing sabungeros by putting up a ₱10-million reward for information that will lead to the arrest of businessman Atong Ang, who has been identified as the lead suspect in the case.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the cash reward is intended to speed up Ang’s arrest as authorities widen their search nationwide. The Department of the Interior and Local Government believes public cooperation will play a key role in finally locating and capturing the fugitive.

Remulla also urged Ang to stop evading authorities and surrender peacefully, warning that continued flight from the law would result in tougher treatment as a fugitive. Despite the aggressive manhunt, he assured the public that all police operations will strictly follow due process, stressing that there is no plan for extrajudicial actions.

All 320,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been directed to participate in the nationwide manhunt for Ang, who has now been labeled by the government as the country’s most wanted criminal.

The intensified search follows the issuance of four warrants of arrest by a Batangas trial court for homicide and serious illegal detention against 18 individuals connected to the disappearance of more than 100 cockfighting enthusiasts during the height of e-sabong operations. Seventeen of the suspects — including 10 police officers and seven civilians — are already in custody, leaving Ang as the lone remaining suspect still at large.

Authorities have classified Ang as armed and dangerous. The PNP has sought the revocation of licenses for six firearms registered under his name and has also requested an Interpol red notice in case he has already left the country.

Once arrested, Ang is expected to be brought to Camp Crame before being transferred to a detention facility under the jurisdiction of the court that issued the arrest warrants.