Wanted poster for Atong Ang

The Philippine National Police (PNP) released Friday the wanted poster for businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang who has been tagged as the alleged mastermind in the case of the missing sabungeros. 

Based on the wanted poster, Ang is being accused of multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide, as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Authorities said Ang is believed to be hiding in various possible locations, including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Zambales.

A reward of P10 million has been put up for any information that will lead to the arrest of Ang.

The PNP urged the public to immediately report any relevant information to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) through its hotlines: 09606923025 and 09456115926.

In a separate statement, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also called on the public to report any information on Ang’s whereabouts to their hotline for the Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD): +639456554900.

“In the pursuit of truth and justice, the NBI calls on the public for cooperation. Any information relevant to this matter may be reported using the contact details provided,” the statement read.

To claim the reward, the CIDG stated that the informant must present the SIM card used for calling or providing information through its hotlines.

Arrest warrants have been issued against Ang and 17 others but the businessman remains the only accused still at large.

Ang's firearm licenses have been revoked and his lawyers were ordered to surrender his guns to the Firearms and Explosives Office. Six firearms are registered under Ang’s name.

The PNP is also working closely with the Bureau of Immigration for the implementation of a hold departure order against Ang.

While authorities believe he is still in the Philippines, they have already requested the issuance of an Interpol red notice against Ang in case he manages to exit the country.

As defined by the Interpol, a red notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. 

The individuals are wanted by the requesting member country, or international tribunal. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

Ang has denied the allegations against him.

His lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, previously described the Laguna court's decision as “premature” and “legally questionable,” as it supposedly failed to meet the constitutional standards that should have been observed under the circumstances.

“Clearly, the court merely acted on the incomplete and one-sided information provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its determination of probable cause, without having even seen the counter affidavits and exculpatory evidence of the respondents, including that of Mr. Ang,” Villareal said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News