The case of the missing sabungeros—cockfighting enthusiasts who disappeared under mysterious circumstances—continues to unfold, more than a year after the initial reports shocked the Philippines. With new testimonies, high-profile names, and underwater search operations underway, the investigation has taken a dramatic and deeply disturbing turn. Here's the latest on one of the country’s most haunting unsolved cases.
Background: A Deadly Pattern
Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 men connected to online cockfighting (e-sabong) disappeared across various locations in Luzon. Most were last seen at cockfighting arenas or in transit to matches. Security footage from some venues showed victims being forcibly taken by unidentified armed men.
What began as a cluster of individual cases quickly revealed a pattern—and suggested an organized effort to abduct, and possibly eliminate, these men.
A Confession That Changed Everything
In mid-2025, a major break came in the form of a confession from a man identified only as “Totoy.” A former security personnel member, Totoy admitted to participating in the kidnapping and killing of sabungeros. According to his statement:
- Victims were strangled using tie-wire.
- Their bodies were tied with sandbags and dumped into Taal Lake, a volcanic caldera in Batangas.
- The operation was part of a broader, coordinated effort involving police officers, civilians, and private security.
Totoy claimed there could be over 100 victims—far more than the official tally.
New Suspects and Alleged Conspirators
Totoy’s confession named over 30 individuals, including:
- At least 20 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)
- A female celebrity with alleged ties to a group called “Alpha”
- Local officials and private operators linked to e-sabong networks
These revelations have widened the scope of the investigation, now encompassing not only direct perpetrators but also potential protectors and financiers.
Search Operations in Taal Lake
Following Totoy’s claim that the bodies were dumped into Taal Lake, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered a full-scale search of the area. The search, still ongoing, includes:
- Philippine Coast Guard divers
- Potential deployment of remote-operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Appeals to international partners, including Japan, for technical assistance
However, the lake's volcanic activity, depth, and strong currents have made recovery efforts extremely challenging. As of now, no human remains have been found.
Legal Developments and Challenges
The DOJ is moving to:
- Place Totoy under the Witness Protection Program (WPP)
- File kidnapping and homicide charges against key suspects
- Safeguard the judiciary from interference, as there are concerns that the alleged masterminds may attempt to manipulate court proceedings through bribes
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has stated that the case may uncover deep-rooted corruption, possibly involving law enforcement, gambling operators, and local elites.
The Families Wait
For the families of the missing, the investigation is both a source of hope and renewed pain. Vigils continue. Memorials have been held. But without bodies, there is no closure—only a long, uncertain wait.
Despite the official efforts, many families remain skeptical. They fear that the powerful individuals named in the case may never face justice. Some have even accused the government of acting too late, and only under public pressure.
The Road Ahead
The coming months will be critical. Authorities are expected to:
- Finalize and release Totoy’s official affidavit
- Identify and charge additional suspects
- Expand search operations using more advanced equipment
- Strengthen safeguards to protect witnesses and judicial integrity
While momentum is building, the risk of obstruction remains high. The case stands at a crossroads: either it becomes a symbol of systemic reform—or another chapter in a long history of unresolved disappearances.
Conclusion
The investigation into the missing sabungeros has exposed more than just a string of disappearances—it has revealed a chilling intersection of crime, corruption, and impunity. The road to justice will be long, but the pressure is on. For the families, for the nation, and for the integrity of its institutions, the question remains:
Will the truth finally rise to the surface?