RP asks US to arrest Atong Ang, Ricaforte

The Arroyo administration has formally asked Washington to arrest and extradite two co-accused of deposed President Joseph Estrada who is facing a string of corruption charges, including the capital offense of plunder.

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said they have received information that Charlie "Atong" Ang, a gambling buddy of Estrada, was in Las Vegas or Los Angeles, while Yolanda Ricaforte, said to be the disgraced leader’s personal auditor, was staying with relatives in California.

"There is urgency on the request," Perez said in a letter to John Harris, acting director of the Office of International Affairs of the US justice department.

He warned that Ricaforte and Ang may flee again to avoid prosecution.

The Department of Foreign Affairs canceled the passports of the two fugitives last Jan. 30 on Perez’s request.

Estrada and his son, San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada, were arrested April 25 on orders of the Sandiganbayan on the charge of economic plunder. A third accused, lawyer Edward Serapio, surrendered on the same day.

Ang and Ricarforte, who were included in the plunder case for their alleged role in the collection of bribes from jueteng operators on behalf of Estrada, fled the Philippines at the height of people power II that toppled the Estrada administration on Jan. 20.

Three other co-accused in the plunder case have remained at large. – Delon Porcalla