Police Investigate Alleged Cockfighting-Related Abductions and Killings

Fifteen police officers are currently in custody and under investigation for their alleged involvement in the abductions and suspected killings of at least thirty-four cockfighting enthusiasts. This announcement was made by the Philippine police chief on Monday.

The missing individuals were accused of cheating within the popular sport. Reports indicate that their bodies were disposed of in a scenic lake near a volcano. The disappearances occurred primarily in 2021 and 2022, with the victims vanishing while traveling to or from cockfighting arenas located throughout the Luzon region, including the Manila metropolitan area.

The unresolved disappearances have recently resurfaced in public attention due to a key witness who has accused a gambling tycoon of masterminding the killings. The witness claims the bodies were either dumped in Taal Lake or burned elsewhere. National police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the witness, known as “Totoy,” provided critical details. The victims were reportedly strangled and mutilated before being discarded.

Police investigators have confirmed the details and evidence provided by the witness, which will be used in criminal complaints filed by the Department of Justice against the suspects. The witness stated he decided to come forward due to threats against his life and to help the families of the victims seek justice.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that criminal complaints will be filed against the businessman, who owns cockfighting arenas and other gambling businesses, and other suspects. The businessman has denied the accusations. Remulla also plans to request assistance from Japan to utilize technology to search for any remaining traces of the victims' remains in Taal Lake.

Cockfighting, a popular pastime and gambling sport in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, involves two roosters fighting, often to the death. The missing individuals were accused of cheating by weakening one rooster to increase the chances of the other winning.