Manila:Businessman Charlie 'Atong Ang remains in the Philippines, as confirmed by Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vida stated in a media interview that the DOJ records indicate Ang is still in the country. However, Vida acknowledged the possibility that Ang might have utilized the 'backdoor' to exit the country, given the nation's porous borders.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously mentioned that Ang used the backdoor to leave, and this matter is currently under investigation. Vida further explained that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) informed the DOJ that there is no record of Ang departing the country. He emphasized that the DOJ relies on immigration records, which show no evidence of his departure.

Vida assured that despite these challenges, the DOJ's prosecutors continue to pursue their mandate. Ang is facing indictment for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, from cockpit arenas. The abductions were reportedly carried out on suspicions of game rigging.

Julie Patidongan, a whistleblower, claimed that he was instructed by a group led by Ang to kidnap the sabungeros. He further alleged that the bodies of the kidnapped individuals were disposed of in the murky waters of Taal Lake in Batangas province.