DILG requests cancellation of Atong Ang’s passport

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has requested the cancellation of the passport of gaming magnate Charlie “Atong” Ang amid the arrest warrants against him for kidnapping with homicide in relation to the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).

In an interview over “BaliTanghali” on Monday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they are confident that Ang is still in the Philippines. 

“Kasama na ‘yan sa nirequest na namin sa DOJ at DFA, it should come in,” Remulla said.

(That is among the things we requested from the DOJ and DFA, it should come in.)

“Malapit na yan. Parating na yan,” he added.

(That will come out soon.)

Ang, who is now considered a fugitive from the law, has yet to surface following the issuance of the arrest warrants.

Remulla said latest immigration records showed that Ang has yet to exit the Philippines.

However, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan over the weekend said he believes that Ang has already left the country.

“We will exhaust all means. Maraming tip na pumapasok samin. Nandito pa rin sya pero titingnan pa rin namin ang sinabi ni Patidongan,” Remulla added.

(We will exhaust all means. We are receiving tips on his whereabouts. He is still here but we will also consider what Patidongan said.)

On January 14, the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna issued arrest warrants against Ang and 17 others for kidnapping with homicide over the disappearances of several enthusiasts.

Kidnapping with homicide case is a non-bailable offense under the country’s laws.

The court found probable cause to order the arrest of the accused, whose listed addresses were in Muntinlupa City, Laguna, and Batangas.

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said 17 of the 18 individuals who were named in the arrest warrants are now in their custody.

A few days later on January 16, a court in Lipa City, Batangas issued another arrest warrant for kidnapping with homicide against Ang and several others over the missing sabungeros case.

The PNP-CIDG has also requested the issuance of a Interpol red notice against Ang.

A P10 million reward has been put up for information that may lead to Ang’s arrest.

In December 2025, the DOJ found probable cause and filed charges against Ang before several courts over the disappearance of several sabungeros.

Malacañang previously assured that there would be no special treatment for Ang. — JMA, GMA Integrated News