MANILA — Fourteen police officers linked to the disappearance of 34 cockfight enthusiasts have prevented their transfer to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), officials said.

Col. John Guiagui, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – National Capital Region, said the officers remain at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

“Yes, nasa Custodial [Center] pa kasi may motion sila na mag-stay dito, so it’s up to the court na mag-decide kung ita-transfer sila (They are still at the Custodial Center because they have a motion to stay here, so it’s up to the court to decide whether to transfer them),” Guiagui told reporters.

He added that the PNP facility is scheduled for demolition to make way for a new office building, as previously announced by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

The 14 officers and seven civilians are co-accused of fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang in the alleged kidnapping and killing of cockfight enthusiasts accused of cheating between 2021 and 2022.

Except for Ang, all have been arrested under warrants issued by courts in Santa Cruz, Laguna, San Pablo, Laguna, and Lipa City, Batangas.