Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed that Charlie “Atong” Ang is not in the country, directly rejecting reports that the fugitive businessman is hiding there.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Cambodian authorities said an official check by the Immigration General Department under the Ministry of Interior showed no record of Ang’s entry into or exit from Cambodia. The ministry said the clarification was made to address media reports claiming Ang had fled to Cambodia as Philippine authorities searched for him.
The spokesperson said the immigration finding covers all monitored border checkpoints and does not support claims that Ang is currently within Cambodian territory. The ministry added that the statement was released to dispel speculation surrounding the reported deployment of Philippine police officers to Cambodia in connection with the manhunt.
Ang is wanted in the Philippines in relation to the disappearance and deaths of several cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly referred to as sabungeros. He faces multiple counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, including charges of kidnapping with homicide, and remains the subject of an active nationwide search.
Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla had earlier said authorities received information suggesting Ang may have gone to Cambodia, prompting coordination with foreign counterparts. Cambodian officials, however, said their records do not corroborate those claims.
The Cambodian foreign ministry emphasized that its statement reflects official immigration data and was issued solely to clarify Ang’s reported whereabouts amid conflicting reports.
