Manila, Jan. 26 -- Police said Monday they received 40 hotline tips on the possible whereabouts of fugitive businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang.

At a press briefing at Camp Crame, Col. John Guiagui, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), said most tips pointed to locations in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and the Bicol Region.

He said the reported sightings occurred before the arrest warrants were issued against Ang, who is accused of masterminding the disappearance of more than a dozen cockfighting enthusiasts.

Guiagui also said "efforts have been in place already" to verify reports that Ang has already fled the country, particularly to Cambodia or Thailand.

Without verified physical sight...