The Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday said it has no record of any recent overseas travel by businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, amid reports that he may have fled to Cambodia following the issuance of arrest warrants linked to the case of the missing sabungeros.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said a review of the agency’s records showed no indication that Ang had recently left the country.
“Sa atin po, kapag tinignan natin 'yung records ng BI, wala pong recent travel itong si Mr. Atong Ang. No recent departure doon sa ating mga records,” Sandoval said in a television interview.
“Kapag naman po sila ay may na-encounter doon na illegal crosser doon sa mga areas na iyon, pinagbibigay alam din naman po nila sa Bureau of Immigration to check 'yung records ng mga taong 'yun,” she added.
Sandoval said the BI has so far received no coordination or reports from the Philippine Coast Guard or local law enforcement agencies manning coastal areas, indicating that no interception involving Ang has occurred.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said authorities believe Ang remains in the Philippines, though he acknowledged unverified information suggesting the gambling tycoon could be in Cambodia.
The government has offered a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest. He has been tagged as a most wanted fugitive.
Ang and several co-accused are facing multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros.
The businessman has denied the accusations. His lawyer has described the arrest warrant as “premature” and “legally questionable,” arguing that it failed to meet constitutional standards.