The Start of the Mystery

From April 2021 to January 2022, 34 men—mostly sabungeros (cockfight bettors) from Luzon—vanished under disturbing circumstances related to illegal e-sabong ring operations. Despite earlier police investigations and public outcry, their whereabouts remained unknown—until now.

 Murky Clues Surface

A suspect known as “Totoy,” one of six security guards tied to the Manila Arena ring, revealed during media interviews that the missing men were abducted, strangled with wire, and dumped into Taal Lake, some tied with sandbags to prevent floating .

Totoy made the terrifying claim that over 100 bodies—including alleged drug lords—might also be submerged in the lake .

“If we dig them up, it’s just bones. How can we recognize them?” he said.

 Authorities Take the Hunt Underwater

Justice Secretary Boying Remulla verified that technical divers, with support from the Coast Guard and Philippine Navy, will conduct a deep-water search in Taal Lake starting soon. The DOJ has called for urgency, saying “we must seek the truth” and gather evidence before it’s lost .

 Families in Limbo

The relatives of the missing—already grappling with anguish and fear—now have a glimmer of hope. At least five witnesses, including Totoy, have come forward. Some families confirmed two of the victims were minors, as young as 14 and 17, who joined betting events to support their families during the pandemic.

A victim’s aunt tearfully said:

“This will finally help us seek justice. We are poor, but the law should work for all.” .

 What This Could Mean

If confirmed, this may rank among the most horrific mass murders in recent history.

It raises urgent questions about underground gambling rings, complicit authorities, and unregulated e-sabong culture.

The government response could set new precedents for virtual gambling oversight and criminal accountability.

 What You Should Know

Victims were last seen at Manila Arena, where Totoy and others worked as security.

E-sabong was booming during COVID shutdowns—until these disappearances emerged.

Tech dives underway may for the first time uncover human remains.

Families and public pressure intensify calls for transparency and justice.

 Share Your Thoughts

Should the search expand beyond Taal Lake to other suspicious sites?

How should e-sabong and virtual gambling be regulated to prevent crimes like this?

What do you think justice should look like in this horrifying case?

 Join the conversation below—your voice matters.