DOJ insists Atong Ang still in Philippines

MANILA — Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang is still in the Philippines, based on records of the Bureau of Immigration.

Vida said he is not privy to the source of information of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla who earlier said Ang was last seen in Cambodia.

“So I cannot confirm that he is already out of the country kasi we rely on immigration records, and based on immigration records wala kaming record that he left,” Vida said.

Vida however acknowledged that the Philippines is an archipelagic country which has porous borders and fugitives may use backdoor exits.

“Very porous kasi talaga iyong borders natin and as the statement of your Secretary of Justice, per records of the department he is still in the country,” Vida said.

Vida also assured that the prosecution of Ang, who is facing murder cases in connection with the missing sabungeros, continues.

“We pursue our mandate, our prosecutors pursue trying the case, continue to present the relevant pieces of evidence for the court, although we see these as challenges, but we don’t see these as fatal to the case,” Vida said.