Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida expressed confidence on Tuesday that business tycoon Atong Ang remains in the Philippines while facing kidnapping charges linked to missing cockfighting enthusiasts.
“On some intel, yes. [There’s] indication that he’s still around,” Vida told media, noting that authorities are exploring all avenues and coordinating with international partners.
He said there are no Bureau of Immigration records showing Ang left the country, while acknowledging that leaving without official documentation is possible.
“Ang record natin nandidito… as of speaking. Wala sa BI eh… If we’re talking about the realm of possibility, everything is possible… if you have resources you can do that,” he added.
Vida assured the public that the search for Ang continues, following reports from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he is not in their country.