Marilyn Cahatol

'Ill-advised, unethical’ for Ang's lawyer to advise him not to surrender — DOJ

Businessman Atong Ang answers questions during an interview with news anchor Noli De Castro at the ABS-CBN News Broadcasting center  in Quezon City on October 24, 2019.  Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Department of Justice on Saturday criticized Gabriel Villareal, gambling tycoon Atong Ang&#x27;s lawyer, for <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/16/atong-ang-advised-by-lawyer-not-to-surrender-until-legal-remedies-pursued-0912">advising him not to surrender</a>, calling it “ill-advised, unethical” and something that goes against the court order.</p><p>In a Saturday news briefing, Justice Spokesperson Polo Martinez reminded Villareal that his statements have an impact on him as a counsel and on his client, who is accused of involvement in the disappearance of dozens of cockfight enthusiasts and workers.</p><p>Martinez said that Ang is the subject of court warrants.</p><p>“[T]he suggestion not to follow the order by the court na lawfully issued by a competent court would be — I would say that suggestion is ill-advised and not only unethical but also potentially criminal,” he said.</p><p>He said that the Revised Penal Code has penalties for resisting the enforcement of warrants.  </p><p>“That’s another crime that they could be charged with,” he told reporters.  </p><p>For Martinez, the suggestion puts the lawyer and Ang in a disadvantageous position.</p><p>Martinez said they can recommend a reprimand by the Supreme Court if Villareal&#x27;s advice “interferes with the processes that the DOJ is mandated to do.” </p><p>Villareal, he noted, could also be liable under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability</p><p>In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo on January 16, Villareal said Ang should not be considered a criminal as he has not yet faced trial and declaration of guilt.</p><p>He added that the “armed and dangerous” tag on Ang was baseless and that this statement from the government was risky and concerning.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/16/lipa-court-issues-arrest-warrant-vs-atong-ang-others-over-sabungeros-case-1302">Lipa court issues arrest warrant vs Atong Ang, others over sabungeros case</a></div><div> </div><div><strong>CASE AGAINST OTHER ACCUSED CAN PROCEED WITHOUT ANG<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Because Ang has yet to be arrested, Martinez said trial cannot proceed yet.</p><p>The case, however, can still proceed with respect to the other individuals accused.</p><p>“Does that mean na hindi tatakbo ang kaso with respect to other respondents? No. With respect doon sa respondents or accused, sa mga akusado, na naaresto na na nag-surrender na, kayang tumuloy ng trial,” he added.</p><p>“Kung may ebidensya na isusumite ang mga akusado doon or prosecution, magagamit pa yun. I guess that’s a difficulty but that’s how our criminal justice system works dahil may karapatan ang akusado just to present evidence to and unless may jurisdiction over the person, trial cannot proceed with respect to him,” he said.</p><p>On Thursday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government offered a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros.</p><p>Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities consider Ang “armed and dangerous,” citing intelligence reports that he was traveling with at least 20 bodyguards despite the Philippine National Police cancelling his firearm licenses.</p><p>Villareal said he filed an omnibus motion for the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court to reconsider its issuance of warrants of arrest against Ang and 17 others.</p><p>ABS-CBN News has reached out to Villareal for comment on the DOJ&#x27;s statements, but he has yet to respond as of this story&#x27;s posting.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/14/families-see-warrant-vs-atong-ang-as-step-toward-long-delayed-justice-1619">Families see warrant vs. Atong Ang as step toward long-delayed justice</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Eamty6ehnI?si=QD5rkRG34CzO4Vib" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div>

<p>The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday criticized the lawyer of businessman Atong Ang for <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/16/atong-ang-advised-by-lawyer-not-to-surrender-until-legal-remedies-pursued-0912">advising him not to surrender</a>, describing this as “ill-advised, unethical” and something that goes against the court order.</p>

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday criticized the lawyer of businessman Atong Ang for advising him not to surrender , describing this as “ill-advised, unethical” and something that goes against the court order.