MANILA, June 4 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said the criminal cases involving the personalities implicated in the so-called missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts) have been transferred to Quezon City courts.

"Pursuant to a resolution of the Supreme Court (SC) En Banc, the venue of the three cases for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention involving Atong Ang and others has been transferred 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," DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said in a message to reporters.

He said the transfer was granted upon motion of the panel of prosecutors, "in view o...