International Alert Issued in 34 Disappearance Probe

Interpol has placed Philippine gambling figure Charlie “Atong” Ang under a Red Notice as authorities intensify efforts to resolve the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.

The request for international circulation was filed in mid-January by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Ang, 68, is considered the primary suspect in cases involving:

  • Kidnapping
  • Serious illegal detention
  • Kidnapping with homicide

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla confirmed that Ang remains at large and is classified as armed and dangerous.

A Red Notice allows foreign authorities to provisionally detain a suspect pending possible extradition.

Reward Doubled to PHP20 Million

Authorities have increased the bounty for actionable information from PHP10 million to PHP20 million (approximately $345,200).

Hotlines have been activated nationwide to crowdsource intelligence as the case continues to draw public scrutiny.

Despite speculation that Ang could be hiding in Cambodia, Philippine intelligence services believe he remains inside the country, maintaining a low profile.

Ten Raids, No Arrest

Last week, law enforcement carried out 10 coordinated operations targeting potential safe houses and contacts. The raids yielded no breakthrough.

Meanwhile:

  • 20 co-accused individuals are already in custody
  • Some suspects include active and retired law enforcement officers
  • Investigators continue to examine testimony and digital trails

Ang’s continued absence remains the key obstacle in closing the case.

Deep Roots in the Cockfighting Industry

All 34 missing individuals were linked to sabong — cockfighting — a long-standing gambling activity in the Philippines where Ang built his reputation.

He previously drew public attention when former President Rodrigo Duterte referred to him as a major gambling figure and assigned him informal responsibilities to curb illegal betting operations.

Ang was also linked to political controversy in 2000 during the impeachment proceedings of former President Joseph Estrada, where allegations surfaced regarding gambling money flows tied to the scandal.

National Manhunt Intensifies

The DILG has classified the case as a priority investigation. The Red Notice broadens the search beyond Philippine borders, increasing pressure on border control agencies worldwide.

Officials stress that:

  • The manhunt will continue without pause
  • International coordination is ongoing
  • Financial incentives aim to accelerate actionable leads

With 34 families still seeking answers, the case has become one of the country’s most closely watched criminal investigations in recent years.

Summary

Interpol’s Red Notice against Charlie “Atong” Ang marks a significant escalation in the probe into 34 missing sabungeros. Philippine authorities have doubled the reward to PHP20 million and expanded the manhunt internationally. Despite multiple raids and 20 arrests, the central suspect remains at large as investigators push for a breakthrough in a case that has shaken the country’s gambling sector.