Manila:Businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang is still in the country, according to records from the Department of Justice (DOJ), as stated by DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida on Wednesday. Vida mentioned in a media interview that the department's records indicate Ang has not left the Philippines.

According to Philippines News agency, Vida acknowledged the possibility that Ang could have evaded official channels by using the 'backdoor' to exit the country, given the country's porous borders. This follows a statement from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who on Tuesday noted that Ang had used the backdoor to leave, which is now under investigation.

The Bureau of Immigration informed the DOJ that there is no official record of Ang departing the country. Vida emphasized, "So, I cannot confirm that he is already out of the country because we will rely based on what we have on immigration records. Based on immigration records, wala kaming (we have) record that he left."

Despite these challenges, Vida assured that the DOJ is continuing its efforts, stating, "We pursue our mandate. Our prosecutors pursue. We see this as challenges, but we do not see this as fatal to the case."

Charlie 'Atong' Ang faces indictment for his alleged involvement in the abduction of at least 34 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) from cockpit arenas under suspicion of game rigging. Julie Patidongan, a whistleblower, claimed that he received orders from a group led by Ang to carry out the abductions, with the bodies later being disposed of in Taal Lake in Batangas.