Atong sighted in Vietnam? Jonvic says DILG checking

MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has been reportedly sighted in Vietnam, according to intelligence information received by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla yesterday said authorities are conducting back channel efforts to verify the intelligence report, which they received about a month ago.

“We are following it up for confirmation with the Vietnam authorities,” Remulla told reporters.

Remulla said he has no information if Ang has business associates in Vietnam.

It is unlikely that Ang has a gambling business in Vietnam due to strict laws in the Southeast Asian country, according to Remulla.

Ang, who is wanted for the kidnapping and murder of sabungeros or cockfight aficionados, went into hiding after courts in Laguna and Batangas have issued warrants for his arrest and several others.

As there is no official record from the Bureau of Immigration of the gambling tycoon leaving the country, Remulla said Ang may have escaped through the southern backdoor.

“I think doon siya sa Mindanao dumaan papuntang Malaysia tapos umabot siya ng Vietnam,” Remulla said in an interview on dzBB.

There were previous reports that Ang may have fled to Cambodia or Thailand.

Even if they have information that Ang is abroad, Remulla said the manhunt for the businessman in the Philippines continues.

Police and other law enforcement agencies have conducted over 200 unsuccessful raids on suspected hideouts of Ang in the last three months.