MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday, January 15, identified businessman Atong Ang as the Philippines’ “number one most wanted,” saying he is the only remaining individual among 18 co-accused in the “missing sabungeros” case yet to be taken into custody.

“Kasama po si Atong Ang siguro maituturing natin na number one most wanted sa buong Pilipinas ngayon. He’s accused of killing over 100 missing sabungeros and he is considered armed and dangerous,” Remulla said.

Remulla added that a P10-million bounty is being offered for credible information that could lead to Ang’s arrest. “Any information that could lead to the conclusive arrest of Atong Ang will merit a P10-million award,” he said.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Robert Alexander Morico II confirmed that Ang is the sole target of the ongoing police manhunt. Authorities are exercising extreme caution due to the businessman’s alleged access to firearms and bodyguards.

Six firearms registered under Ang’s name were revoked by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday, along with his license to own and possess firearms. Remulla described Ang as “armed and dangerous,” noting he usually travels with at least 20 bodyguards and is known to respond violently to law enforcement confrontations.

“Ibig sabihin, gagawin ng pulis ang lahat para proteksyunan ang sarili nila sa kakayahan ni Atong Ang,” Remulla said, adding that police will take all measures to protect themselves against Ang’s capabilities.

A total of 320,000 PNP personnel have been deployed nationwide in the search, which Remulla assured will be conducted without extrajudicial killings.

The manhunt follows the arrest on January 14 of 10 police officers and seven civilians allegedly involved in the case, after warrants for non-bailable charges of homicide, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention were issued a day earlier.

While there are no reports that Ang has left the country, the CIDG has requested Interpol’s National Central Bureau in the Philippines to issue a red notice should he attempt to escape.

Ang faces allegations of masterminding the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as “sabungeros.”