Atong Ang's lawyer admits meeting with kin of missing sabungeros

The lawyer of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang admitted that she recently met with some relatives of the missing sabungeros last April 20.

According to Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, lawyer Caroline Cruz said it was the families who initiated the meeting.

“I was surprised by their visit, but I welcomed them. It was a cordial meeting, if I am to describe it,” said Cruz.

“I told them I am also in search of the truth and honestly, that is the only reason why I allowed that unscheduled meeting to happen,” she added.

Cruz also admitted that she gave financial assistance, totalling P20,000, to the families without anything in return.

“They signed nothing that would, in any way, be useful in the case,” the lawyer further said.

Cruz maintained that her conscience is clear and she’s ready to face the allegations against her in a proper forum.

Two cops relieved

Meanwhile, two police officers were relieved from their posts amid the investigation into their alleged meddling in the case of missing sabungeros, the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The relieved police officers were identified as Highway Patrol Group (HPG) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang and PNP Custodial Center’s Police Major Reynaldo Pañebe Jr.

“Wala pa kaming matibay na pagkukunan ng ebidensya kung nagkaroon talaga ng pagtanggap ng mga unauthorized visitors doon sa ating mga persons under police custody,” said PNP Headquarters Support Service acting chief Police Brigadier Manuel Abrugena.

(We still do not have a solid source of evidence on whether unauthorized visitors were actually allowed entry to our persons under police custody.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA News