CIDG-NCR: Atong Ang was prepared for arrest warrant

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang was aware and prepared that a warrant of arrest will be issued against him, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In a Balitanghali interview on Tuesday, PNP-CIDG NCR chief Police Colonel John Guiagui said that they were having difficulties in locating Ang, considering his resources and connections around the country.

However, he assured that this was not a hindrance in their search.

“Sabi ko nga ay pinaghandaan niya na way before. Alam niya na may lalabas so with his resources, with his circle of friends, with his properties all over the country, talagang nahihirapan tayo,” he said.

(As I’ve said, he has prepared for this way before. He knew something will be issued so with his resources, with his circle of friends, with his properties all over the country, we are really having difficulties.)

“Again, it is not a hindrance. Tuloy tuloy pa rin ang effort natin (Our efforts are continuous),” he added.

Guiagui said the CIDG believed Ang was currently mobile, and that he is still inside the Philippines.

“Wala naman tayong record pa na lumabas ito ng bansa so we believe he is still in the country, that’s why 'yung effort natin talagang massive. We are exerting effort na mahuli siya,” he said.

(We don’t have records that he has left the country so we believe he is still in the country, that’s why our efforts are really massive. We are exerting effort to catch him.)

He added authorities continue to follow validated tips and information handed to them through their hotline.

Earlier, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) requested the cancellation of Ang’s passport, noting that he had yet to leave the country.

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

The CIDG said last week that it has requested the issuance of an Interpol red notice against businessman Ang.  

Ang remains the only subject of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna RTC Branch 26 arrest warrant on the missing sabungeros case that is at large.

He also is the subject of another arrest warrant issued by a Batangas court in relation to the missing sabungeros case.

Ang has since been named DILG’s most wanted person with a P10 million bounty for his arrest.

A P10 million reward has been put up for information leading to the arrest of Ang. —AOL, GMA Integrated News