MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 12, 2026 — The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has released detailed guidelines for informants on how to claim the ₱20 million bounty for the arrest of gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who remains a fugitive in connection with the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.

CIDG officials clarified that the reward will be granted to any individual who provides credible information leading directly to Ang’s capture. Informants are instructed to call the official CIDG hotlines — 0960-692-3025 and 0945-611-5926 — to report Ang’s whereabouts. 

To validate their claim, informants must present the SIM card used to contact the CIDG once Ang is arrested. “No questions asked. Identity of the informant will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the updated wanted poster emphasized.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier announced that the bounty had been doubled from ₱10 million to ₱20 million, underscoring the government’s determination to resolve the high-profile case. Ang is facing multiple arrest warrants in Laguna and Batangas for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Authorities have also requested the issuance of an Interpol red notice to alert law enforcement worldwide and facilitate his capture abroad.

The CIDG stressed that informants will be protected under witness security protocols, and their identities will not be disclosed. Once Ang is arrested, the informant who provided the decisive tip will be contacted by CIDG officials to verify the SIM card used in reporting. 

After verification, the informant will be processed for the reward claim, with payment guaranteed by the DILG and PNP’s confidential funds.

The missing sabungeros case has become one of the most controversial criminal investigations in recent years, drawing widespread public outrage and calls for justice from victims’ families. 

The government hopes that the increased bounty and clear reporting guidelines will encourage more individuals to come forward with information that could finally lead to Ang’s arrest.

This development highlights the Philippines’ broader effort to strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement and ensure accountability in cases of transnational crime. The CIDG reiterated that the public’s cooperation is crucial, assuring that informants will be rewarded and protected once Ang is captured.

Image from PNP-CIDG