Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the transfer of the criminal cases involving the personalities linked to the missing 'sabungeros' (cockfighting enthusiasts) to Quezon City courts. The cases, which involve kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges against Atong Ang and others, were moved from the Regional Trial Courts of Sta. Cruz, Laguna; San Pablo City, Laguna; and Lipa City, Batangas, to the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez communicated that the Supreme Court (SC) En Banc's resolution facilitated this transfer. The decision was made following a motion by the panel of prosecutors, citing security concerns and the sensitive nature of the cases as key reasons for the relocation.

Martinez noted that the SC resolution was approved on February 5, 2026, and subsequently, the cases were distributed to three separate branches of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC). Each branch has issued notices to the involved parties on varying dates between April and May.

In a related development, five families pursuing cases involving the missing sabungeros filed a complaint for obstruction of justice against a lawyer representing businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang. The complaint, lodged with the DOJ by Charlene Lasco, alleges that Ang's lawyer, Caroline Cruz, and three others attempted to bribe witnesses, influencing them to switch their stance on the case.

The situation escalated with reports from a whistleblower suggesting that the bodies of the missing sabungeros were disposed of in Taal Lake, located in Batangas province.