Jonvic: We will find Atong Ang

MANILA, Philippines —  Fugitive gambling tycoon Atong Ang is still in the Philippines, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reiterated on Wednesday.

Police will continue looking for Ang despite 80 unsuccessful raids on suspected hideouts of the businessman, Remulla told Bilyonaryo News Channel.

“I think he’s (just) here,” Remulla said. “It’s difficult to hide in other countries even if you have a lot of money. He’s not like Zaldy Co, who has a ‘safe haven’ passport.”

Ang is wanted for the disappearance and deaths of over 100 sabungeros or cockfight aficionados.

“Like Arnie Teves, when he ran out of money, he was sent back here. It is tiring to hide in another country,” Remulla said, referring to the expelled congressman who hid in Timor-Leste after being accused of orchestrating the 2023 assassination of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

Remulla said authorities are still exhausting leads provided by Julie Patidongan, the state witness against Ang.