THE SHOCKING CASE OF THE MISSING COCKFIGHTERS (SABUNGEROS) IN THE PHILIPPINES: A BLOODY MYSTERY IN THE DARK WORLD OF E-SABONG

In less than two years, dozens of professional cockfighters — known locally as sabungeros — mysteriously disappeared across the Philippines. From Tanay, Rizal to the Manila Arena, from Laguna to Batangas, these individuals were allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed — all tied to the dark underworld of e-sabong (online cockfighting). While families continue to wait for answers, recent developments have revealed a story more chilling than anyone could imagine.

It All Started with One Man: The Disappearance of Ricardo “John John” Lasco

On August 30, 2021, Ricardo John John Lasco — a licensed master agent of e-sabong — was abducted right from his home in San Pablo City, Laguna. According to CCTV footage released by his family, a group of men claiming to be agents from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) barged into his residence and took him away.

Within minutes, they left — not only with Lasco but also with valuables from the home including money, jewelry, phones, and even a vault. His family panicked. They created a Facebook account to seek help, shared license plates of the vehicles used — but no one knew where Lasco had been taken.

The Shocking Twist: Suspects Are Police Officers

During a Senate hearing in February 2022, Lasco’s family bravely identified two of the abductors as police officers from the Laguna Provincial Intelligence Unit — Roy Navarete and Daril Panghangaan. Instead of facing arrest, the officers were merely “reassigned” to Camp Crame in Quezon City — a decision that sparked public outrage and suspicion of a deeper conspiracy within law enforcement.

Not Just One — But Waves of Disappearances

Following Lasco’s case, similar incidents began emerging. On January 13, 2022, six sabungeros from Tanay, Rizal left home to attend a major cockfighting derby at the Manila Arena. That night, they were reportedly forced into a van and never seen again. Recent reports suggest that at least 34 sabungeros have gone missing between 2021 and 2023.

Shockingly, a recent documentary titled “Los Sabongeros” revealed that the real number could be over 100 victims.

Terrifying Details from a State Witness

In June 2024, the case took a dramatic turn when Julie Donon Padidongan, former head of security for businessman Atong Ang, agreed to become a state witness.

Donon testified that:

They were paid ₱2 million to abduct Lasco for allegedly pirating online sabong broadcasts.

After capturing him, Lasco was strangled with wire, his body tied to a sandbag, and dumped in Taal Lake.

Other victims suffered the same fate.

Actress Gretchen Barretto, rumored to be romantically linked to Atong Ang, allegedly knew everything that was happening.

Power and Money Used to Silence the Truth?

Donon claimed he was offered ₱300 million by Ang’s camp to recant his testimony. He also revealed that Ang’s wealth could allegedly “buy even the Supreme Court.” Currently, a ₱50 million bounty is said to be on Donon’s head.

Evidence at the Bottom of Taal Lake: Is Justice Still Possible?

Recently, several sacks and bindings matching the witness’s description were found in Taal Lake. Skeletal remains have also been retrieved, and Japanese forensic technology is being used to help identify the victims. However, experts warn that extreme heat at the lake’s depths could dissolve human bones, making DNA testing extremely difficult.

What Is the Government Doing?

Under growing pressure, the Senate, CIDG, and NBI launched formal investigations. Yet to date, only 3 police officers have been arrested, and 9 people charged — a small number considering the scale of the crime.

Conclusion: A Stain on the Philippine Justice System

The missing sabungeros case is not just a series of violent crimes — it is a symbol of the decay within the Philippine justice system and law enforcement. Citizens are asking: Does justice still exist, or has it been drowned in power and corruption?

While authorities continue their investigation, the families of the victims cling to hope — that even a single bone, a piece of evidence — can help reclaim the dignity and truth for their loved ones.