MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to intensify efforts to locate and pursue fugitives who have fled the country, Malacañang announced Wednesday, October 21.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President instructed authorities to take all necessary actions in accordance with existing laws to ensure that individuals facing criminal charges cannot evade justice.
“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 said during a Palace briefing.
The directive comes after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Tuesday that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who has been linked to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, had already left the Philippines.
Castro emphasized that Marcos expects law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in locating individuals wanted by authorities and ensuring that legal proceedings move forward.
The Palace also assured the families of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly known as sabungeros, that efforts to pursue accountability would continue.
Castro further stated that the arrest warrant against Ang would not prescribe, citing the seriousness of the charges involved.
The administration reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and pursuing individuals facing criminal cases, including those who have sought refuge overseas.
