Gen, Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for its assistance in tracking the movements of fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

“We in the Philippine National Police fully appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the government of Cambodia. This only prove the strong alliance between the two countries in law enforcement operations and in the pursuit of justice,” said Nartatez.

Nartatez issued the statement after Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Ang is not in their country amid earlier information in response to reports that the fugitive businessman maybe hiding there after slipping out of the Philippines.

Ang carries P10 million reward following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him for charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention in relation to the case of the missing sabungeros.

All the accused in the case pending before a Laguna court was already accounted for except for Ang. A second arrest warrant was issued by a Batangas court against Ang for the same cases.

Nartatez said they are continuously working with other government agencies in verifying all the information received daily as to the possible hiding place of Ang.

He added that coordination with other countries was also strengthened to contain the movement of Ang and eventually lead to his arrest.

Nartatez stressed that the PNP remains undeterred by the suspect's ability to move across borders, “While his vast resources continue to pose a challenge in pursuing him, the PNP is focused and committed to bring him to justice.”