MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang must have slipped out of the country already, according to a former aide who has since claimed that Ang was behind the disappearance and alleged killing of at least 19 cockfighting enthusiasts.
“He may already be out of the country,” whistleblower and state witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan said in Filipino in an interview with DZBB on Saturday.
Patidongan was initially charged with complicity in the disappearances but was granted immunity after he claimed that Ang orchestrated the abduction and killing of cockfighting enthusiasts suspected of cheating in online cockfighting events.
Patidongan claimed that Ang ordered the victims to be strangled with wire and dumped in Taal Lake, with police officers and private security personnel complicit in the crimes.
The witness made the remark after Branch 26 Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, issued an arrest warrant on Jan. 13.
On Jan. 15, Branch 13 Judge Pamela Torres Chavez-Izon of the Lipa City RTC also issued a warrant of arrest against Ang.
Patidongan suspected that Ang would likely have left the country in December last year because the businessman was not prone to seek refuge among his friends and allies.
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