Atong Ang used ‘backdoor’ to leave Philippines—Remulla

MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday confirmed that fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang used a “backdoor” route to leave the country and evade authorities.

“It’s an ongoing investigation. Backdoor siya,” Remulla said.

Remulla earlier said Ang was believed to be somewhere in Southeast Asia, following reports that he had been spotted in Cambodia.

Ang is the alleged mastermind in the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.

He has been in hiding since a court issued a warrant for his arrest over multiple criminal complaints related to the case.

Meanwhile, Remulla defended the government’s decision to negotiate for the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the risk of a violent confrontation with the powerful group allegedly protecting him.

Remulla said authorities would rather pursue a peaceful approach than risk a violent confrontation that could cost Filipino lives. 

“In exchange for hanggang 10,000 pwedeng mamatay, I would rather negotiate first than cost the lives of Filipinos in this,” he said. 

“You don’t always solve problems with a hammer. Sometimes you solve things better in a more peaceful and humane way,” he added. 

Asked whether negotiating with Dela Rosa amounted to obstruction of justice, Remulla acknowledged the issue but maintained that authorities would handle the situation carefully. 

“Yes, but obstruction at the cost of body bags is not worth it,” he said, adding that the government would pursue the matter without sacrificing human lives. 

“We’re almost there,” Remulla said, describing the operation as a complicated process involving multiple moving parts. 

He also warned that groups could exploit the situation and potentially destabilize the region, citing the large amount of money allegedly involved in protecting Dela Rosa. 

He cautioned against allowing the situation to escalate, saying authorities must be mindful of the possibility that extremist groups or other organizations could take advantage of unrest.

“It might ignite similar to Marawi, extremist groups to take advantage of the situation. Tingnan niyo ang nangyari sa Europe. It started from a youth protest of 200 sa France. Lumaki sa 10,000 kasi sumali ‘yung ibang grupo,” Remulla said. 

“And that’s what we’re trying to avoid— the people to take advantage of the situation para maging unstable ang region natin. So we have to handle this delicately,” he added. 

Remulla earlier admitted regretting his decision not to arrest Dela Rosa while the senator was still at the Senate. “I should have arrested him then,” he said.

Remulla explained that he had honored a supposed “gentleman’s agreement” between the Senate that no arrest would be made while the senator remained in Senate custody. 

“I know, it’s my fault. Dapat di ko ito sinunod from the start. Pero, gentleman ako eh. Susunod ako sa agreement,” Remulla said. 

He added that the agreement was no longer binding on him after he believed the other side had broken it. 

Asked about possible obstruction of justice charges, Remulla said the matter had already been filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.