CIDG: 17 tipsters give leads on Ang’s possible whereabouts

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

WANTED MAN. The wanted poster of fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang released by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday (Jan. 19, 2026). The CIDG said the posters are placed in CIDG offices and strategic areas nationwide. (Photo: PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said Monday it has received tips on the possible whereabouts of fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and is validating the information.

In an interview, Col. John Guiagui, CIDG chief in the National Capital Region (NCR), said 17 tipsters have messaged the CIDG hotlines regarding Ang’s possible locations.

“Mayroon nang nagbigay ng mga information at ito ay vina-validate ng aming [Intelligence] Division (Some have already given information and these are being validated by our Intelligence Division),” CIDG information chief Maj. Helen Dela Cruz said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

“We have searched more than 10 locations already… We have received more than 10 text messages… that we are validating,” Guiagui said.

Although he declined to specify the locations being reported, Guiagui said they were mostly in areas in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Bicol Region.

The government is offering a PHP10-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Ang, the primary accused in the disappearance of more than a dozen cockfight enthusiasts.

At least two arrest warrants have been issued against Ang — one in Laguna and another in Batangas — for kidnapping, kidnapping with homicide, and serious illegal detention.

The CIDG has released Ang’s wanted poster as part of its manhunt.

Citing the Bureau of Immigration, Dela Cruz said Ang remains in the Philippines, contrary to claims by whistleblower Julie Patidongan that the businessman has left the country.

During the same briefing, Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) chief Brig. Gen. Jose Manalad said the licenses to own and possess firearms (LTOPFs) of Ang’s four co-accused — Rogelio Borican Jr., Rodelo Anig-ig, Jezrel Mahilum, and Emmanuel Falle — have been revoked.

Ang’s own LTOPF was revoked last Wednesday as part of efforts to capture him.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to identify police officers allegedly coddling Ang.

“Based on the information we received, there may be police officers helping him,” Tuaño said, adding that criminal and administrative charges may be filed against these officers.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said four retired police generals are under investigation for alleged links to Ang.

Tuaño said the PNP is also investigating the same individuals, whose identities were not disclosed.