A lawyer for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang on Thursday criticized Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s announcement of Ang’s impending arrest in connection with the missing sabungero case, calling the statements “reckless” and “irresponsible.”

Atty. Gabriel Villareal said Remulla’s remarks, made Monday, were “highly irresponsible” and amounted to a publicity stunt.

He told the DAILY TRIBUNE that statements coming from a Cabinet official and presidential alter ego could place Ang’s life in danger.

Villareal took particular exception to Remulla’s statement in a recently published news report that Ang was “armed and dangerous” and that the manner of his arrest would therefore be different.

The lawyer said the remark was tantamount to suggesting a shoot-on-sight or an outright “shoot to kill” order against Ang, despite the fact that no warrant of arrest has been issued by any court.

“Such a statement is uncalled for, unless it is meant to pressure the courts to move in accordance with the government’s plan against my client,” he said.

Last week, Ang and 21 police officers were indicted by the Department of Justice on charges of homicide, kidnapping, and illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts.

Villareal said Ang has remained in the country and has consistently cooperated with authorities since the start of the investigation.

“If this is not proof of Mr. Ang’s sincerity in submitting to the processes of law, then we do not know what is,” Villareal said.

The lawyer added that Remulla’s remarks, along with previous actions by investigators and state prosecutors, indicate that Ang has already been prejudged.

“If something happens to Mr. Ang, responsibility will rest with those who made these statements. This has the makings of tokhang all over again,” he said.