It's been over two weeks since arrest warrants were issued against Charlie "Atong" Ang, the gaming tycoon accused in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts (sabungeros) in 2022. Yet, as of February 2026, he remains at large. He's not in Pasig, not in Zambales, and Cambodia's government has officially denied he's hiding there. So, where is he?

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claims it receives fresh tips on his whereabouts almost daily—almost like a never-ending mystery series with no resolution. But what has actually happened? Nothing. Atong Ang is still a fugitive, with a P10 million reward on his head, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) and NBI appear to be playing an endless game of hide-and-seek. This isn't child's play—it's a case involving alleged kidnapping and possible homicide.

If this were under a more decisive leadership like former PNP Chief Gen. Torre, Atong Ang would likely already be behind bars. Instead, under the current setup, the manhunt drags on with endless "validation" of leads but no arrests.

This isn't an isolated failure. Look at the parade of high-profile fugitives and politically connected figures who slip through the cracks:

- Gerald Bantag, the alleged mastermind behind the 2022 murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. As of early 2026, he's still at large, reportedly hiding in the Cordillera mountains—possibly in Kalinga—surrounded by his "tribe" like something out of an action film. The gunman in the case was killed in prison in 2024, but Bantag? The PNP and NBI keep getting "leads," yet no capture. Where is the relentless inter-agency task force? Or is there an unspoken "hands-off" policy due to his ties to the previous administration?

Michael Lizaso Marasigan, the Filipino-American on the FBI's Most Wanted list for a $34 million bingo charity fraud scam in Guam. A dual citizen with a Philippine passport, he fled to the Philippines after violating pretrial release in 2025. As of February 2026, no visible action from the PNP or NBI to apprehend him. Why? Wealth, showbiz connections, and charity circles seem to provide protection.

- Mark Anthony Co (Zaldy Co), accused in multi-million-peso "ghost" flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro and other areas. The Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants in November 2025 against him and others for graft and malversation. Yet, like a ghost, he's off the radar—no high-profile arrests, no updates. Those flood projects meant to save lives from typhoons? Mere phantoms, just like the suspects evading justice.

The common thread in all these cases? Money and political connections. "As long as there's money, the authorities go blind," as many on social media say—and it rings painfully true. The PNP and NBI seem selective: aggressive on small-time criminals, but passive when the targets have deep pockets or powerful allies. Photo ops and press conferences announce "active manhunts," but results? Scarce.

PNP and NBI: How long will you keep chasing daily tips without delivering arrests? How long will the public tolerate a justice system that appears blind to the wealthy and connected? The Filipino people aren't fooled—we remember when the law was supposed to be equal, not reserved for those without influence.

Arrest these fugitives, or prepare for the next headline: "Where Did the Credibility of the PNP and NBI Go?"(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada)

#PNPToServeandProtect #AtongAng #GeraldBantag #ZaldyCo #michaellizasomarasigan #NationalBureauofInvestigation #JonvicRemulla #PCO #josemelencionartatezjr #PBBM #DOJPH #BagongPilipinas #BongbongMarcos