The saga of the missing sabungeros—Filipino cockfighting aficionados—continues to grip national attention as chilling new details have emerged in 2025. Nearly four years after the first disappearance, authorities are pursuing fresh leads, including underwater searches and potential high-level corruption links. Here’s what we know so far.
Breakthrough Confession: “Totoy” Names Names
In June 2025, a major development broke the case wide open. A man known only as “Totoy”, one of six security personnel allegedly involved in earlier disappearances, confessed to the killing of over 30 sabungeros. According to Totoy, the victims were:
- Strangled using tie-wire
- Tied with sandbags
- Dumped into Taal Lake, a volcanic caldera lake in Batangas
Totoy referred to the act as “killing me softly” and claimed the actual death toll could exceed 100, possibly involving illegal drug syndicates and other high-stakes gamblers.
Taal Lake Search Underway
Following the confession, the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a coordinated search and recovery operation in Taal Lake:
- The Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and specialized divers are involved.
- Authorities face challenges due to geothermal activity, strong currents, and limited visibility.
- So far, no human remains have been recovered, but efforts are ongoing.
The search operation is seen as crucial to corroborating Totoy’s testimony and bringing closure to the families of the disappeared.
Involvement of Powerful Figures
Totoy’s statement has implicated:
- A shadowy group allegedly known as “Alpha”
- Members of law enforcement
- A female celebrity
- Local officials believed to have shielded or enabled operations
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has warned that the potential mastermind may have enough financial resources to infiltrate the judiciary, prompting the DOJ to seek cooperation with the Supreme Court to preserve case integrity.
Legal Proceedings & Witness Protection
- The DOJ is evaluating Totoy for entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
- At least seven formal kidnapping and homicide cases are active.
- Suspects include security personnel, police officers, and possibly insiders from e-sabong firms.
- ₱6 million reward remains in place for credible information leading to key arrests or evidence.
Background Recap
Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 men disappeared across Luzon. Most were last seen at cockfighting arenas linked to e-sabong operations, a form of online gambling that flourished during the pandemic.
Despite early video evidence and witness accounts, investigations dragged—fueling suspicions of cover-ups and systemic corruption. It wasn't until President Duterte banned e-sabong in May 2022 that official momentum returned.
Public Reaction and Outlook
Families of the victims continue to demand justice, while public pressure mounts for full transparency, especially in light of the alleged high-profile involvement. Activists and human rights advocates have called for:
- Independent investigations
- Stronger oversight of gambling operations
- Prosecution of state actors involved in the disappearances
What’s Next
Key milestones expected in the coming weeks include:
- Results from Taal Lake dives
- Charges against additional suspects named by Totoy
- Possible disclosures involving the alleged celebrity figure
- Expanded WPP applications for other informants or insiders
Until then, the case of the missing sabungeros remains one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in recent Philippine history—both for its brutality and the breadth of those possibly involved.