MANILA, Philippines —Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, accused in the missing sabungeros case, is still in the Philippines and was nearly arrested in a recent police operation. Authorities say Ang was sighted at a hideout, but officers arrived too late to capture him.

Remulla revealed on Friday that law enforcement launched an early morning operation on April 9 after receiving an “eyeball report” that Ang had been spotted. “We almost caught Atong, we had an operation earlier this morning because we received an eyeball report that he was seen but we were too late,” Remulla said in a television interview. 

He added, “In fact I was part of the operations earlier, we started at 5 in the morning, we did not catch him but he was seen here in the country.”

The DILG chief stressed that Ang remains in the Philippines, contradicting earlier intelligence reports that suggested he had fled to Vietnam. Remulla declined to disclose the exact location of the hideout where Ang was allegedly seen, citing operational security.

Ang is facing multiple arrest warrants linked to charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as “sabungeros.” The case has drawn national attention due to the scale of the disappearances and the alleged involvement of powerful figures in the cockfighting industry.

Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to track Ang down, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) coordinating closely with the DILG. Remulla emphasized that the government is determined to bring Ang to justice, noting that the recent near-arrest proves that intelligence operations are closing in on him.

The missing sabungeros case has been one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in recent years, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability. Families of the victims continue to demand justice, while Ang’s evasion of arrest has fueled criticism of law enforcement’s ability to apprehend high-profile fugitives.

As the manhunt continues, Remulla assured the public that authorities are pursuing fresh leads and will not stop until Ang is captured. The latest development confirms that Ang is still within Philippine territory, raising hopes that his arrest could happen soon.