DoJ, DILG think Atong Ang hiding within Phl

DoJ, DILG think Atong Ang hiding within Phl | Daily Tribune

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Tuesday said there is no formal record showing that fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has left the country, amid reports that he may be hiding in Cambodia.

Vida acknowledged that Ang could possibly be abroad, given his resources, but stressed that official data does not support claims that he has fled the Philippines.

“If you’re talking about the realm of possibility, everything is possible, right? If you have resources, you can do that. And if you have the desire to do it, you can do it, with the resources,” Vida told reporters in an ambush interview.

However, he emphasized that immigration records do not show Ang’s departure.

“Those are the formal channels. In the formal channels, there is really none. But based on some intelligence, yes, there are indications that he is still around,” Vida said.

Ang is facing multiple arrest warrants for kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of more than 100 sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, whose cases have shocked the nation.

Vida said law enforcement agencies are continuing the search for Ang but declined to give a timetable for his arrest.

“Our law enforcement agencies continue to perform their duties, and we are continuously searching for him,” he said. “Whether it is soon or still far off, I cannot predict.”

Jonvic, too

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla echoed the DoJ’s assessment, saying authorities are confident Ang has not left Philippine territory.

“We are confident he is still here,” Remulla said in a text message to the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Remulla clarified that reports placing Ang in Cambodia originated from Julie Patindongan, a key witness in the missing sabungeros case. Cambodian authorities have denied those claims.

In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said there is no immigration record of Ang entering or exiting the country.

“According to an official report from the Immigration General Department of the Ministry of the Interior of Cambodia, there is no record of Charlie Tiu Hay Ang’s entry or exit at any Cambodian border checkpoints,” the ministry said.

Despite the denial, Remulla said authorities are pursuing all possible leads.

“All elements of the Philippine National Police are actively searching for him. Justice will be had for the more than 100 missing sabungeros,” he said.

Remulla added that nearly 20 raids have been conducted against Ang’s known associates over the past month.

The manhunt continues as families of the missing sabungeros await answers and accountability.