A whistleblower in the missing “sabungeros” case said he believes businessman Atong Ang may already be out of the country as early as December last year.
Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan said Ang, who is facing an arrest warrant for kidnapping with homicide in connection with the missing “sabungeros” case, will not submit himself to authorities.
“He is not an ordinary person…His network is international,” Patidongan said.
A regional trial court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest against Ang and 17 other individuals for the non-bailable case.
On Thursday the PNP-CIDG said it has requested the issuance of an Interpol red notice against Ang but the Department of Justice said it believes the businessman is still in the country “based on all available records.”
Patidongan said if Ang is indeed still in the country, he could be hiding in one of his many properties.
A P10 million reward has already been put up for information leading to the arrest of Ang.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Ang was considered “armed and dangerous,” citing intelligence reports that he was allegedly traveling with at least 20 bodyguards, despite the cancellation of his firearm licenses by the PNP.
The PNP warned friends and business associates of Ang against harboring him as its manhunt was expanded to cover backdoor exits to prevent him from fleeing the country.
“We expect him to use his huge reserve of resources to avoid being caught. But I advise him to use that instead to defend himself in court rather than play hide and seek with us because he will be arrested eventually,” said acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.
Meanwhile, Ang’s legal counsel said he advised his client not to surrender to authorities while legal remedies remain available.
Lawyer Gabriel Villareal said surrendering would be premature as motions challenging the case are still pending in court.
