Atong Ang lawyer calls out Remulla over arrest warrant statement
Gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang (File photo)
The lawyer of Charlie “Atong” Ang called out Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla over the latter’s statement on the issuance of arrest warrant against his client in relation to the case of the “missing sabungeros”.
Lawyer Gabriel Villareal said the public declaration of arrest warrant issuance is reckless and irresponsible as only the court could determine if the case would warrant issuance of arrest order.
“Such a statement is uncalled for, unless it is meant to pressure the courts to move in accordance with the government’s plan against my client,” said Villareal.
He was referring to the statement issued by Remulla of the possibility of the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ang before 2026.
But what disappointed Villareal was the report allegedly declaring Atong Ang as armed and dangerous.
If the report is true, he said the remark was tantamount to suggesting a shoot-on-sight or an outright "shoot to kill" order against his client.
Earlier, the Department of Justice recommended the filing of charges of homicide, kidnapping, and illegal detention against Ang several respondents in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts.
Villareal said Ang has remained in the country and has consistently cooperated with authorities since the start of the investigation.
“If this is not proof of Mr. Ang’s sincerity in submitting to the processes of law, then we do not know what is,” Villareal said.