The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that the criminal cases involving individuals implicated in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, known as "sabungeros," have been transferred to Quezon City courts. This move follows a Supreme Court resolution aimed at ensuring security and addressing the sensitive nature of the cases.
Supreme Court Resolution
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that the Supreme Court En Banc issued a resolution on February 5, 2026, ordering the transfer of three cases from regional trial courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; San Pablo City, Laguna; and Lipa City, Batangas, to the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City. The cases involve charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and others.
Martinez explained that the transfer was granted upon the motion of the panel of prosecutors, citing security considerations and the sensitive nature of the cases. The three cases were raffled to separate branches of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, with each branch issuing notices to the parties between April and May 2026.
Obstruction of Justice Complaint
Last week, five families pursuing cases related to the missing individuals filed a complaint for obstruction of justice against Atong Ang's lawyer, Caroline Cruz, and three others. The complainants allege that Cruz and the others attempted to bribe witnesses, leading them to switch sides in the case. Charlene Lasco, one of the complainants, lodged the complaint with the DOJ, accusing the respondents of conspiring to turn other families against the accused.
Whistleblower Claims
According to a whistleblower, the bodies of the missing sabungeros were dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas province. This revelation has heightened public scrutiny and urgency in the case, as authorities continue their investigations.
The transfer of the cases to Quezon City is expected to facilitate a more secure and impartial judicial process, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the gravity of the allegations. The DOJ has assured the public that it remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims and their families.
