Philippines: DNA tests underway on burnt bodies found in Taal Lake, potential breakthrough in missing 'sabungeros' probe

Manila: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Philippines' missing sabungeros — cockfighting enthusiasts — has begun to unravel with the recent discovery of sacks containing what appear to be human bones in Taal Lake.

Authorities recovered several sacks containing what appear to be burnt bodies and skeletal human remains during underwater and lakeside searches in the Taal Lake area, a site identified by whistleblowers as a possible dumping ground for victims.

This grim evidence could implicate rogue police officers and their suspected involvement in a series of grisly murders linked to the shadowy underworld of e-sabong, the online cockfighting industry, local media reported.

Cultural undertones

Sabong, or cockfighting, is a deeply rooted cultural pastime in the Philippines, traditionally involving live events where spectators bet on roosters. 

This age-old community tradition, ruled by a gentleman's agreement — in which erring members or cheaters are punished collectively and ostracised (but never killed), has recently taken a dramatic turn.

With the advent of e-sabong, it transformed cockfighting into a 24/7 online gambling operation. 

Department of  Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told journalist Christian Esguerra that e-sabong generated estimated daily earnings of around 1 billion pesos at its peak — about $6.5 billion per year — making it a lucrative but highly controversial industry.

The shift from physical cockfighting arenas to an online platform exponentially increased the scale and accessibility of sabong gambling, but it also brought darker consequences.

The nonstop nature of e-sabong led to widespread addiction and financial ruin for many participants. 

More alarmingly, it became entangled with criminal syndicates, corruption, and violence. 

Suspected cheaters, meanwhile, were apparently exterminated in a grisly manner.

The disappearance of dozens of sabungeros between 2021 and 2022 raised red flags, prompting investigations into possible kidnappings and murders connected to the industry.

The bones-in-a-sack found in the nearshore of Taal Lake, about 1 hour south of Manila, could lead to a dramatic court case, exposing cops and certain lawmakers among members of a highly influential criminal underworld.

A key breakthrough came from a whistleblower, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan (alias "Totoy"), who had been involved in the criminal activities but later chose to expose the syndicate’s operations.

Patidongan revealed that at least 34 sabungeros were kidnapped, strangled, and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake.

His testimony led authorities to conduct underwater searches.

Sacks containing suspected human remains were recovered. DNA testing is underway to confirm identities and strengthen the case against the suspects.

The DNA testing marks a critical phase in the investigation of the missing sabungeros.

The involvement of rogue cops has been a disturbing element in this case. Investigations revealed that at least 15 police officers were placed under restrictive custody for their alleged roles in the kidnappings and murders.

Syndicates

This points to a deeply entrenched nexus between law enforcement and criminal syndicates profiting from e-sabong. The syndicates reportedly wielded significant influence, with some politicians and high-profile individuals allegedly investing millions and benefiting from the illicit operations.

The arrogance of money and power has permeated Philippine politics, with some lawmakers and officials implicated in the e-sabong mafia. This has complicated efforts to bring justice and reform the industry.

The scandal exposed how gambling profits can corrupt institutions and endanger lives, prompting a national reckoning on the regulation of e-sabong and traditional sabong alike.

The case remains a stark reminder of how a traditional cultural practice, when exploited by modern technology and criminal interests, can spiral into a deadly crisis.

Patidongan is crucial in piecing together the truth and holding powerful figures accountable. Meanwhile, the government faces the challenge of balancing cultural heritage, economic interests, and public safety as it moves to regulate or ban e-sabong nationwide.

The discovery of human remains in Taal Lake, if confirmed, exposes the dark underbelly of e-sabong, implicates rogue police officers, and reveals the influence of criminal syndicates and corrupt politicians.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for transparency, justice, and reform in the Philippines’ cockfighting culture and its modern online incarnation.

TIMELINE:

The timeline of the e-sabong controversy highlights this trajectory: