Bounty for Atong Ang Doubled to P20 Million as Manhunt Intensifies

The reward for information leading to the arrest of businessman Atong Ang has been raised to P20 million, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Thursday.

Remulla made the announcement during a press conference on February 12, saying the additional funds came from the confidential funds of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police.

“P20 million for information leading to his arrest,” Remulla said.

"Galing 'yan sa confidential funds provided to the PNP and the DILG para sa ganyang kaso (It came from the confidential funds provided to the PNP and the DILG for such cases)," he added.

The bounty was initially set at P10 million on January 15 after courts began issuing arrest warrants against Ang in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros reported missing since 2021.

Authorities are continuing a nationwide manhunt. While earlier speculation suggested Ang may have fled to Cambodia, Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said intelligence reports indicate he may still be in the country.

"Our records show that he is still here. Based on intelligence, there are indications that he’s still around,” Vida told reporters on February 11.

The first warrant was issued on January 13 by the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court. All of Ang’s co-accused in that case have been arrested, except him. Subsequent warrants were also issued by the Lipa Regional Trial Court on January 15 and by San Pablo RTC Branch 29 on February 6.

Ang and his co-accused face charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and kidnapping with homicide — all non-bailable offenses.

Authorities said the reward increase reflects the government’s intensified efforts to capture the fugitive businessman.