The lawyer of gaming magnate Charlie “Atong” Ang on Friday said he advised his client not to surrender to authorities while legal remedies remain available, arguing that Ang should not be treated as a criminal without a trial or a finding of guilt.
In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo, Ang’s counsel Gabriel Villareal said surrendering would be premature, as motions challenging the case are still pending in court.
Villareal stressed that Ang remains presumed innocent under the Constitution.
He added that Ang remains in the Philippines and appealed for restraint from public officials, urging them to respect due process and the presumption of innocence while the case is pending in court.
The statement came a day after the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier 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 Philippine National Police.
Villareal disputed the characterization, calling it baseless and reckless, and warned that such statements could prejudice the case and endanger lives.
He said labeling Ang as “armed and dangerous” creates the impression that authorities are justifying the use of force.
The lawyer said he has filed an omnibus motion before the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court seeking reconsideration of the warrants of arrest issued against Ang and 17 others, citing alleged procedural lapses in the preliminary investigation.
Villareal claimed the warrants could be nullified because the Department of Justice records were allegedly incomplete, and did not include the counter-affidavits of Ang and the other accused, which he said showed a lack of evidence against his client.
