A Breakthrough in the Missing Sabungeros Case: Burned Bones Found in Taal Lake May Finally Shed Light on the Chilling Mystery of 34 Disappeared Cockfighting Enthusiasts in the Philippines

Introduction: A Chilling Mystery Revived

The story of the missing sabungeros — a case that has haunted the Philippines since 2021 — has taken a chilling turn with the discovery of burned bones near the shores of Taal Lake. What was once considered a stalled investigation has now gained momentum, igniting new hope among families and demanding nationwide attention.

The victims, most of whom were involved in the high-stakes world of online cockfighting, vanished without a trace over two years ago. Allegations of organized crime, game fixing, and even rogue law enforcement involvement have long clouded the investigation. Now, with new evidence unearthed and key witnesses coming forward, the truth may finally be within reach.

The Disappearances: Online Cockfighting and a Trail of Vanishing Lives

Between 2021 and early 2022, at least 34 men involved in “sabung” — the Filipino term for cockfighting — disappeared under mysterious and alarming circumstances. Many of them were last seen in cockpits or during transport to betting venues. Some were even reportedly abducted in broad daylight, sometimes by men claiming to be law enforcement officers.

These disappearances occurred as traditional cockfighting shifted online, giving rise to “e-sabong” — a digital betting platform that saw an explosion in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. With billions of pesos circulating in bets daily, the lure of easy money and the anonymity of the online sphere created fertile ground for manipulation and crime.

Suspicions quickly emerged: some sabungeros were allegedly caught cheating or fixing matches. Others were rumored to have fallen out with powerful gambling syndicates. Yet despite widespread speculation, no one knew exactly what had happened — until recently.

An Explosive Testimony: The Whistleblower Speaks

In June 2025, a dramatic breakthrough came when Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a security guard involved in the cockfighting world and known by his alias “Totoy,” came forward with explosive testimony.

Totoy confessed that many of the missing sabungeros were killed deliberately — their hands tied with plastic straps, their necks strangled with wire, and their bodies stuffed into sacks weighted with cement and rocks before being dumped into Taal Lake.

His story, though horrifying, aligned with earlier rumors. Totoy claimed that the murders were punitive acts ordered by powerful figures in the cockfighting industry. Some victims were allegedly targeted for suspected dishonesty in betting. Others may have been collateral damage in a broader criminal operation that involved law enforcement insiders, businessmen, and underworld connections.

With this shocking revelation, Philippine authorities were forced to take renewed action.

Taal Lake: Search and Discovery

Following Totoy’s statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and law enforcement agencies launched a massive search operation in Taal Lake. This natural caldera lake, located in Batangas, is known for its depth and strong underwater currents — making it both an ideal dumping ground and an incredibly difficult site to investigate.

The Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and National Bureau of Investigation deployed diving teams, sonar equipment, and submersible drones (ROVs) to scan the lakebed. On the shoreline, forensic teams combed through debris.

Then, on July 10, investigators made a shocking discovery: burned bones inside a white sack, found on the shore. DNA testing was immediately ordered, with samples being compared to genetic material collected from families of the missing sabungeros.

Over the next several days, divers recovered multiple weighted sacks from the lake — some containing what appeared to be human bones, clothing, stones, and traces of cement. Footwear and other personal effects were also recovered, fueling hopes of eventual identification.

A Slow and Dangerous Operation

Sako na may laman na mga buto, nakuha sa Taal Lake | Balitambayan

The underwater search faced multiple challenges. Visibility in Taal Lake is extremely poor — divers reported seeing less than one meter ahead. The lake’s depth and uneven terrain also made progress painstakingly slow. Operations required meticulous planning and collaboration among different agencies.

Yet, despite the risks, teams remained committed. More than five sacks were recovered within the first week, and authorities announced they had identified multiple suspicious sites for continued excavation.

Support also came from overseas. The Philippine government requested assistance from Japan, whose underwater mapping technology and ROV expertise could be critical in expanding the search area and recovering more potential evidence.

DNA Testing and Forensic Analysis

The remains recovered from the lake are now undergoing forensic examination to determine whether they belong to any of the missing sabungeros. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are leading the analysis, while noted forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun has been tapped to oversee the delicate testing process.

DNA comparisons are underway using swabs provided by the families of the missing. Authorities have emphasized that the testing could take weeks, depending on the condition of the remains and the availability of high-quality genetic matches.

While identification will not undo the tragedy, it could provide families with closure, and serve as a pivotal point in building a legal case against those responsible.

Government Response: “No Cover-Up”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through his official spokesperson, pledged that there would be “no cover-up” and that justice would be served regardless of who is implicated. This strong statement was seen as a response to widespread speculation that powerful names — including celebrities and gambling moguls — could be linked to the killings.

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla also declared that the case is now “the highest priority” for the DOJ. He promised full transparency and vowed to prosecute anyone found guilty, no matter their position in society.

Members of Congress, particularly those who had previously called for investigations into e-sabong, have renewed their efforts to regulate or permanently ban online cockfighting, citing its ties to organized crime and corruption.

E-sabong: Profits, Power, and Bloodshed

At the heart of this entire saga lies e-sabong, the online cockfighting industry that exploded in popularity — and controversy — during the pandemic. Generating an estimated ₱640 million a month at its peak, the platform offered quick profit to operators and the government alike.

However, critics have long warned that e-sabong’s unregulated growth made it a breeding ground for addiction, corruption, and violent crime. In 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of e-sabong operations, citing its negative social impact.

Still, whispers remained of secret games, powerful cartels, and corrupt officials still profiting from illegal versions of the game. The missing sabungeros may have been victims of this underworld — punished for knowing too much or playing against the wrong people.

Public Reactions and Emotional Toll

The families of the missing sabungeros have spent years in anguish. Many joined protests, demanding answers from the government. Some have spoken openly to the media, holding on to hope that their loved ones were still alive — held somewhere, perhaps, or in hiding.

Now, those hopes are dimming, replaced by grief and the need for truth and accountability.

Across social media, the discovery of the bones sparked an outpouring of sympathy, rage, and reflection. Many users called the incident a symbol of the country’s deeper struggles — impunity, corruption, and violence against the powerless.

What Comes Next: Toward Justice

Authorities have outlined several next steps in the investigation:

Forensic Identification: Conclusive DNA results will help confirm which remains belong to the missing sabungeros.
Expanded Search: Based on informant tips and sonar scans, more sacks are expected to be recovered from other parts of the lake.
Arrests and Prosecution: If sufficient evidence is gathered, suspects — including those named by Totoy — may face charges of murder, obstruction of justice, and more.
Congressional Hearings: Lawmakers may hold hearings to examine the systemic failures that allowed the disappearances to occur and continue for so long.
Support for Families: The DOJ has promised counseling, financial aid, and legal assistance for relatives of the victims.

A National Reckoning

The mystery of the missing sabungeros has cast a long shadow over the Philippines. Now, that shadow is slowly lifting — revealing a horrific truth but also a path toward justice.

This case may become a turning point in how the country handles organized crime, illegal gambling, and law enforcement corruption. For the families, for the nation, and for the future — the truth must emerge, no matter how dark.