ATONG ANG’S LAWYER DESCRIBES JONVIC REMULLA’S STATEMENT ‘RECKLESS,’ ‘DANGEROUS’

THE lawyer of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has criticized Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s statement regarding the alleged imminent arrest of his client in the missing drug trafficking case.

According to attorney Gabriel Villareal, Remulla’s statements are “reckless” and “irresponsible,” and can be considered a publicity stunt.

Villareal said such statements, especially from a member of the Cabinet and considered the President’s alter ego, could put Ang’s life in danger.

The lawyer specifically opposed Remulla’s statement published in a news report in which he said Ang was “armed and dangerous,” and because of this, the method of his arrest would be different.

Villareal said such a statement could be considered as giving permission for a “shoot-on-sight” or “shoot-to-kill” measure against Ang, even though no arrest warrant has yet been issued by any court.

“Such a statement is unacceptable, unless it is intended to influence or force the courts to agree with the government’s plan against my client,” said Villareal.

It can be recalled that last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of cases against Ang and 21 police officers in connection with homicide, kidnapping, and illegal detention cases related to the disappearance of several “sabungeros.”

Villareal insisted that Ang remained in the country and has continued to cooperate with authorities since the investigation began.

The lawyer further said that Remulla’s statements, together with the previous actions of state investigators and prosecutors, show that Ang has been judged before going through the due process of law.