Philippine authorities have intensified efforts to solve one of the country’s most disturbing mass disappearance cases in recent years: the vanishing of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, many of whom were last seen at online cockfighting (e-sabong) arenas across Luzon between 2021 and 2022.
Now, in a dramatic turn, investigators are zeroing in on Taal Lake, acting on a tip from a key witness who claims the bodies of the victims may have been dumped there.
Chilling Confession from a Security Insider
A major breakthrough came in June 2025 when a former security officer—identified only as “Totoy”—came forward with a detailed confession. According to him, over 30 sabungeros were killed, their necks tied with wire and their bodies weighed down with sandbags before being thrown into Taal Lake, a volcanic lake in Batangas province.
Totoy’s testimony has prompted the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reopen and expand the investigation, focusing on possible connections to organized crime syndicates, corrupt law enforcement, and wealthy e-sabong operators.
Search and Recovery Efforts in Taal Lake
As of late June 2025, coordinated search operations involving the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and elite divers are underway at targeted points in Taal Lake. The operations face technical challenges due to:
- Volcanic terrain
- Low underwater visibility
- Thermal activity and shifting lake beds
Authorities believe the search could take weeks, if not months, but are committed to finding remains or other material evidence that could validate Totoy’s claims.
Widening Scope of the Investigation
The implications of Totoy’s confession extend far beyond the missing sabungeros:
- The witness claims the death toll could be over 100 victims, some tied to drug trafficking and high-stakes gambling debts.
- A group allegedly known as “Alpha”, along with a female celebrity, was mentioned as part of a larger conspiracy.
- The DOJ has flagged risks of judicial interference, indicating that powerful individuals may attempt to derail the investigation.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has sought assistance from the Supreme Court to safeguard court proceedings and ensure transparency.
Legal Developments and Public Response
At least three police officers have already been charged in connection with the 2021 abduction of cockfighting financier Ricardo Lasco. More arrests are expected following Totoy’s identification of additional suspects.
In the meantime:
- The DOJ is evaluating Totoy for entry into the Witness Protection Program.
- A ₱6 million reward remains active for leads on the missing men or their perpetrators.
- Families of the victims continue to hold vigils and demand answers, frustrated by years of delays and stalled probes.
A Dark Chapter in Philippine Gambling History
The disappearances highlight the dangers of the once-booming e-sabong industry, which was formally banned in May 2022 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. The platform had exploded during the COVID-19 lockdowns, generating massive profits but also drawing allegations of match-fixing, fraud, and violence.
While the government eventually cracked down on e-sabong, critics say the response to the disappearances was too little, too late—allowing suspects time to hide evidence, silence witnesses, and escape prosecution.
What Comes Next
Authorities are now under intense scrutiny to:
- Recover evidence from Taal Lake
- Protect whistleblowers
- Prosecute high-level conspirators
- Bring closure to the families
This case, already a national scandal, could become a watershed moment for police reform and gambling regulation in the Philippines.
If remains are found, it will be one of the largest mass murder cases in the country’s recent history—one that spans cockpits, courts, and corrupt corners of power.