MANILA, Philippines – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced that the government will provide a P10-million reward to those who can provide information for the arrest of gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Ang faces kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention cases over the disappearance of sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados).

On January 14, the Santa Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against Ang and 17 others. However, as of writing, Ang has yet to be arrested by authorities.

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“Surrender now peacefully, and we will treat you with respect. If you become a fugitive from the law, then we will treat you like a fugitive,” Remulla said in a press briefing on Thursday, January 15.

According to Remulla, the government has tagged Ang as the “most wanted criminal in the country,” prompting the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to launch a nationwide manhunt against the powerful tycoon.

“With Ang considered as ‘armed and dangerous,’ the PNP has sought the revocation of licenses for six firearms registered under his name and has requested an Interpol red notice in case he has already left the country,” the DILG said in a statement.

Once arrested, Ang will be brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City before being transferred to a custodial facility assigned by the courts, according to Remulla.

Apart from kidnapping, there are also homicide and serious illegal detention cases against others involved in the missing sabungeros case. The DILG said a Batangas court had already issued four warrants against 18 individuals in these cases.

As of Thursday, the DILG said 17 suspects are already under police custody: 10 police personnel and seven civilians. – Rappler.com