SILG Remulla cries foul over criticism of P10-M reward for Atong Ang

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday dismissed criticism over the P10-million reward offered for information leading to the arrest of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, calling allegations that authorities already know Ang’s whereabouts “unfair” as search operations continue.

Remulla was responding to remarks, including those made by former election commissioner Rowena Guanzon, suggesting that law enforcement already knows where Ang is and that the reward could simply be pocketed.

“That’s a very unfair statement,” Remulla said.

He stressed that the bounty was personally authorized and funded by his office, noting that delaying Ang’s arrest would run counter to his own interests.

“Kung alam ko lang ’yun, it is to my interest na makuha siya kaagad. Ba’t ko pa gagawa ng drama ’yan?” he said.

(If I already knew where he was, it would be in my interest to arrest him immediately. Why would I create drama over it?)

Remulla said law enforcement agencies have conducted several operations based on intelligence reports, but recent leads have yet to result in Ang’s arrest.

“Nakatatlong raid na kami (We have conducted three raids) in the last two days… all negative,” he said.

He added that authorities remain actively pursuing Ang, with more operations planned in the coming days.

“So we are actively pursuing him kung saan (wherever he may be),” Remulla said.

The interior chief acknowledged the challenges of tracking down a fugitive with substantial financial resources but emphasized that the government’s capabilities far outweigh those of any individual.

“Marami kasi siyang pera eh… pero ang pera niya hindi katumbas ang pera ng buong gobyerno,” he said.

(He has a lot of money… but his money is not equal to the resources of the entire government.)

Ang, now considered a fugitive, has yet to resurface following the issuance of multiple arrest warrants against him.

Remulla earlier said immigration records showed that Ang has not left the Philippines. However, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan said over the weekend that he believes Ang has already fled the country.

On January 16, a court in Lipa City, Batangas issued another arrest warrant against Ang and several others for kidnapping with homicide in connection with the missing sabungeros case.

The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has also sought the issuance of an Interpol red notice against Ang.

Authorities have offered a P10-million reward for information that would lead to his arrest.

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

Malacañang has earlier assured the public that Ang would receive no special treatment.—MCG, GMA Integrated News