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NBI moves in on properties linked to Charlie 'Atong' Ang
Armed with a warrant of arrest, agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Organized and Transnational Crime Division quietly entered an exclusive subdivision in Makati City, determined to track down businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang to face criminal charges over the missing sabungeros case.
After coordinating with the village barangay and the homeowners' association for the operation staged on Thursday, the agents proceeded to a house said to be owned by one of Ang's children.
The first person they encountered was the caretaker. When the lead agent asked who owned the property, the caretaker responded almost in a whisper. According to an NBI source, the house was indeed registered under one of Ang's sons.
Moments later, the caretaker stepped aside to make a phone call. When he returned, he informed the agents that they would have to wait for the owner's lawyers before the NBI tracker team could enter. The agents agreed.
While waiting, however, the NBI wasted no time.
A drone operator launched the bureau's aerial unit, sending what agents called their "eyes in the sky" over the property. The drone focused on the rear section of the compound, ensuring that no one could slip out unnoticed.
When Ang's lawyers finally arrived, a limited number of agents were allowed inside—accompanied by barangay representatives—carrying the arrest warrant related to the disappearance of sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts.
Arrest warrants have been issued against Ang and his co-accused in the case, stemming from multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Only body-worn cameras were permitted in the NBI operation. Members of the media were barred from entry.
Agents searched bedrooms, the kitchen, bathrooms, and even inspected vehicles parked within the compound.
After almost an hour, the tracker team exited the sprawling house.
The target was not there.
The team then moved to a second property—just three houses away from the first. Once again, agents secured the perimeter. For the second time, the drone took flight to monitor the mansion from above.
By day's end, Charlie "Atong" Ang remained elusive.
Despite the negative result of the operation, NBI spokesperson Head Agent Palmer Mallari said tips continue to pour into the bureau's hotline.
With the reward now doubled to P20 million for information leading to Ang's arrest, Mallari expressed confidence that the increased bounty would improve the chances of locating whom authorities have described as one of the country's most wanted personalities.
The NBI also reiterated its warning: Anyone proven to be aiding the fugitive businessman could face charges of obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive in connection with the missing sabungeros case.
For now, the search continues—on the ground, in the air, and through tips that come in through the bureau's hotline. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
