Authorities are preparing to attach a cash incentive to the ongoing search for Atong Ang, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government moving toward a formal announcement meant to accelerate his surrender.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said discussions are underway to put up a reward later in the day, describing it as a pressure mechanism rather than a routine offer. “Mamaya may meeting kami at magbibigay na kami ng reward at mag-a-announce kami mamayang hapon para mabigyan ng pressure talaga na i-turn over na siya sa amin,” he told Dobol B TV. He added that the amount being considered is substantial: “Siguro P10 million puwede na iyon (Maybe P10 million is enough).”
While the warrants have prompted heightened alert levels, officials believe Ang has not left the country. Remulla said monitoring indicates he remains within Philippine territory, with search efforts focused on Luzon. “Nandito pa siya kasi noong sabi nga ng abogado noong the day before ay kasama niya pa. Pumipirma ng mga papel bago lumabas ‘yung mga warrant of arrest a few hours later. So ang tracking namin nandito pa rin siya,” he said.
Security forces are treating the operation as high-risk. Remulla said Ang is being classified as “armed and dangerous,” citing the scale of the allegations and the presence of numerous security personnel around him. “We consider him armed and dangerous. Sabi ng abogado niya iresponsible daw ang pagsasabi ko noon. Paano ang trato mo sa pumatay ng lagpas isang daan tao, na inutos ang pagpapatay ng lagpas isang daan tao, na ang bodyguard niya ay lagpas dalawampu, kada minuto kung sa kahit saan siya pumunta?” he said. He added that law enforcers are prepared for any resistance during an arrest. “’Di ba armed and dangerous ‘yung ganun? Kaya kami, lahat ng eventuality pinaghahandaan namin na kung lalaban siya, hindi namin papalagpasin,” he said.
Parallel to the DILG’s move, the Philippine National Police has expanded surveillance at airports and seaports to block any potential attempt to leave the country. Acting PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered closer coordination with immigration authorities as the search continues. He said surrender remains the most practical course for the accused. “The most logical option for him is to surrender because the PNP is determined to comply with the arrest warrant issued by the court. If he is indeed innocent as he has been claiming, the more that he should be encouraged to surrender to face the accusations against him,” Nartatez said.
Ang is one of 18 individuals named in arrest warrants linked to the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts. Police said he faces 15 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and four counts of kidnapping with homicide, while the remaining 17 accused are already under custody. His lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, has asked authorities for time to review the charges filed against his client.
