Manila: The government is seeking a Manila trial for the cases filed against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and 21 others in connection with the missing 'sabungeros' (cockfight aficionados) case, the Department of Justice said Wednesday. In a message to reporters, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez stated, 'there is a move (by the DOJ) to have the venues (of the cases) transferred to Manila.'

According to Philippines News Agency, ten counts of kidnapping with homicide were filed Tuesday in three different courts: the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Lipa City, RTC-Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and RTC-San Pablo, Laguna. Separate charges for kidnapping with serious illegal detention were also recommended by the DOJ against several individuals.

Martinez explained that the move to transfer the cases to a Manila court was based on an OCA (Office of the Court of Administrator) Circular to avoid a 'miscarriage of justice.' Meanwhile, Martinez mentioned that no information is currently available regarding whether an arrest warrant or a hold departure order (HDO) has been issued by the courts against the accused.

On the other hand, Ang's counsel, lawyer Gabriel Villareal, announced that they will likely file a motion for reconsideration to ask the DOJ to reverse its decision to include his client in the charge sheet.