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Missing 34 Sabungeros Allegedly Killed, Buried in Taal Lake

By Inday Marisol | June 19, 2025

Missing 34 Sabungeros Allegedly Killed, Buried in Taal Lake

Manila, Philippines—One of the suspects in the 2021 disappearance of 34 cockfight enthusiasts, or sabungeros, has come forward claiming that all the victims were killed and buried in Taal Lake in Batangas.

In a televised interview aired on GMA News’ “24 Oras” on Tuesday, a suspect identified only as alias Totoy — one of the six security guards at Manila Arena — admitted that the victims were strangled with wire and later disposed of in the lake.

According to Totoy, the men were killed after being accused of cheating in cockfighting matches, a claim he said was the motive for the killings. He also alleged that the victims were turned over to another group, which he did not name.

Suspect Seeks State Witness Protection

Totoy stated he came forward due to threats against his family and now wants to become a state witness. He pledged to eventually name the mastermind who ordered the executions.

“I will reveal who gave the order in due time,” he told GMA News.

In a disturbing twist, Totoy also claimed that drug lords were among those buried in the lake, though this allegation has yet to be verified by investigators.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been working to recapture six security guards previously charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention related to the sabungeros’ disappearance.

The Court of Appeals recently granted the prosecution’s petition to cancel their bail, which had earlier been approved by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40.

Who Are the Accused?

The Philippine National Police had earlier identified the six guards linked to the case:

  • Julie Patidongan
  • Gleer Codilla
  • Mark Carlo Zabala
  • Virgilio Bayog
  • Johnry Consolacion
  • Roberto Matillano Jr.

All six were previously detained and released on bail but are now subject to arrest after the court’s latest ruling.

Background: One of the Country’s Most Chilling Disappearance Cases

The case of the missing sabungeros shocked the nation in 2021 and has remained one of the country’s most high-profile unresolved disappearances. Despite earlier arrests and investigations, the victims’ whereabouts remained unknown until this latest testimony.

As of writing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DOJ have not confirmed the alleged mass grave in Taal Lake, but authorities say they are assessing the credibility of the new claims.

Sources

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