Bureau of Immigration lifts hold order on Atong Ang

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially informed the Sandiganbayan that it has lifted its hold departure order (HDO) against Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Associate Commissioner Roy Almoro said the businessman, who completed his probation sentence for corruption of public officials, is no longer included in the hold departure list.

The Sandiganbayan Special Division, which tried and convicted former President Joseph Estrada on plunder charges, ordered Ang’s HDO lifted last May 28.

Almoro said officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other air hubs and seaports nationwide have also been informed.

Ang, Estrada’s co-accused in the plunder case, pleaded guilty to a lesser offense and completed his two-year probation last May 25.

His lawyer, Ruth Castelo, said her client plans to visit his wife and children, who are living in Las Vegas, Nevada. – Michael Punongbayan