Atong Ang eludes arrest

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MANILA, Philippines —  Police almost caught gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang at his hideout yesterday morning, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Remulla was part of the operation that targeted the elusive Ang who is wanted for the kidnapping and murder of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros who cheated in his games.

“We almost had him cornered. We conducted operations because there was an eyeball sighting of him, but we were a day too late,” Remulla said in Filipino over “Storycon” on One News yesterday.

Remulla said he was part of the operation, which started at around 5 a.m. at the undisclosed location.

Police officers were heavily-armed, he added, noting Ang’s violent behavior and vast financial resources.

“He killed at least 100 sabungeros and he did earn P1 billion a day. So he has all the money, the resources and the capacity to inflict harm,” Remulla said.

The gaming tycoon is facing three arrest warrants issued by Batangas and Laguna courts in connection with the disappearances and killings of sabungeros.

Amid misinformation about Ang’s whereabouts, Remulla stressed that the government tends to place more weight on actual sightings.

Remulla said pursuing Ang must be well planned because of the resources and connections he possesses.

“A task force was set up, and their (plan of) action is quicker, swifter and more ready. I am upset when police are hurt, so I’d rather come in prepared and ready to accomplish our mission,” Remulla said.

In January, four ex-police generals were probed for being close to Ang, especially when his cockfighting businesses were still in their heyday.

Remulla assured the public that the government will not stop until Ang is captured and brought to court to face trial for the crimes he allegedly committed.