Malacañang said border security and policies should be reviewed while investigations on possible lapses in law enforcement should be done along with stricter monitoring in backdoor exits in the country amid reports that fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang had already left the Philippines.
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro on Wednesday said it should be determined if there were some negligence and lapses as well as who should be held liable if proven that Ang escaped and went abroad.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that Ang had left the country through the backdoor but did not disclose much details.
Asked if border patrols need to be recalibrated, Castro said it should have already been done ages ago.
“Ang Pilipinas kasi tayo ay napapaligiran ng dagat, maaaring makaalpas nang hindi napapansin sa backdoor,” Castro said.
“So, dapat mas maigting na pagbabantay at of course iyong iba nating mga kababayan na rin na nakikipagsabuwatan sa ganito kayo rin po ay makakatulong sa gobyerno- huwag po kayong makipagsabuwatan sa mga taong alam natin na gumagawa ng krimen,” she also added.
Castro also said that it is not funny if someone who should be held accountable escapes.
Ang is facing multiple arrest warrants in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts from 2021 to 2022.
Malacañang assured the family of the victims that the administration would continue to pursue the fugitives and make sure that those who should be held accountable are not able to evade justice.
Castro said the President’s standing order is for all concerned government agencies to track down fugitives hiding abroad, Malacañang said Wednesday.
“Kung ano ang dapat gawin ng gobyerno, kung ano ang mga nasasaad sa ating batas, gawin ang dapat gawin… iyan ang utos ng Pangulo,” Castro also added.