Manila, Philippines — In a shocking turn of events, controversial gambling figure Atong Ang was reportedly blocked from boarding an international flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) just as authorities confirmed the discovery of a missing sabungero, believed to have been gone for nearly two years.

According to insiders from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Atong Ang was scheduled to depart for Singapore via a private charter when he was intercepted at the last minute due to an active hold-departure order (HDO) issued only hours prior.

“He was calm, but clearly caught off-guard,” one BI official shared.
“We received the HDO in real-time. Had it been one hour later, he would’ve been gone.”

MISSING SABUNGERO FOUND IN REMOTE QUEZON AREA

In a stunning coincidence — or perhaps not a coincidence at all — just hours after Atong was blocked at the airport, police announced the recovery of one of the missing sabungeros, who was last seen in 2022 after attending a high-stakes e-sabong match in Pampanga.

The man, identified as Jomar “Boyet” Salcedo, was found wandering near a forested area in Quezon Province, appearing disoriented, thin, and visibly shaken.

He has since been brought to a secure facility where he is receiving medical care and undergoing a closed-door interview with NBI officials.

“He’s alive. That’s already a miracle,” said a CIDG agent.
“But what he knows? That could change everything.”

WHAT BOYET TOLD INVESTIGATORS: “I WASN’T SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT OUT”

While details remain limited, an inside source confirmed that Boyet shared chilling testimony about being moved between several “safe houses,” blindfolded, and “never knowing what day it was.”

He claimed he overheard names, including well-known businessmen and former law enforcers, and most alarmingly, a nickname: “Boss A.”

“He never said Atong directly. But we know who ‘Boss A’ is in this network,” the insider added.

Boyet reportedly begged officials not to make his survival public, fearing retaliation. However, the news inevitably leaked — and with it, a firestorm of questions.

ATTEMPTED ESCAPE OR COINCIDENCE?

Atong Ang’s camp insists his airport trip was a planned business engagement, and that he was unaware of any hold-departure order.

His lawyer issued a brief statement:

“Our client was not fleeing. He was on a scheduled trip and has cooperated fully with all authorities.
Any connection between his travel and recent events is purely speculative.”

Still, the timing is difficult to ignore.

“You don’t just fly out hours before a missing person returns unless you’re trying to stay ahead of something,” said an investigative reporter following the case.

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS: “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed that Atong Ang is now under active investigation and may be called to appear in a Senate hearing within the next two weeks.

“We’re watching closely. If there’s a connection between his movements and the sabungeros case, we’ll find it.
No one is too rich, too famous, or too connected to escape justice.”

PUBLIC OUTRAGE ERUPTS ONLINE

Social media exploded following the twin bombshells:

💬 “Atong almost escaped, and now Boyet shows up? Something’s not right.”
💬 “He knew they found someone — and tried to leave.”
💬 “Protect that sabungero. He’s the key to everything.”

Hashtags like #AtongAngFlight, #SabungeroFound, and #JusticeForTheMissing34 trended within hours.

SENATORS CALL FOR URGENT ACTION

Senator Raffy Tulfo has demanded immediate protection for Boyet, suggesting 24/7 security detail and relocation under the Witness Protection Program.

“We’ve waited too long for a breakthrough.
Now that we have one, we better not waste it — or lose it.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Authorities are now:

Verifying Boyet Salcedo’s full testimony

Cross-checking his claims with digital and financial evidence

Considering formal charges against new potential suspects

Preparing to recall Atong Ang for questioning under oath

BOTTOM LINE:

Atong Ang blocked from leaving the country just hours after a missing sabungero was found alive

Boyet Salcedo’s survival could be the break investigators have been waiting for

Atong denies any wrongdoing, but the public isn’t convinced

Government officials promise swift action — and the public is watching closely

He tried to leave.
The witness came back.
And now, the truth might finally be catching up.