One of the accused in the high-profile disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) has come forward with a chilling confession: the missing men are no longer alive.
In an exclusive report by 24 Oras, a man identified only as “Totoy” revealed heartbreaking details to the families of the victims, saying he is ready to cooperate to help them seek justice.
“Mga nanay, kamag-anak, handa po ako na makipagtulungan sa inyo para makamit ang hustisya,” Totoy told some of the grieving families, many of whom have been waiting for answers for more than four years.
When asked directly whether the sabungeros were still alive, Totoy hesitated before saying, “Mukhang malabo na buhay pa sila.” He added that although it may now be impossible to recover their remains, he knows who was responsible for their deaths.
Totoy shared in his sworn statement that the victims were strangled using tie wires, then wrapped in plastic and dumped into a van before being buried in Taal Lake—along with other bodies, including those of drug lords. “Paano mabubuhay yan eh nakabaon na yan dun sa Taal Lake,” he said.
He claimed the killings extended beyond the 34 documented sabungeros, alleging that nearly 100 individuals tied to cockfighting operations were executed in the same manner. Some, he said, were caught cheating and handed over to another group, which he refused to name for now.
The emotional revelation left several family members in tears. Carmen Malaca, mother of one of the missing men, could be seen breaking down after hearing Totoy’s account.
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla told 24 Oras that the Department of Justice is now assessing whether Totoy’s testimony aligns with the evidence and other witness accounts already gathered. “Titingnan ko lang kung ang kanyang sinasabi at yung sinasabi ng ibang testigo ay kapareho sa mga nakarating sa ating tanggapan,” he said.
Remulla also confirmed that the case is in its final stages of build-up and expressed openness to hearing more from Totoy.
Meanwhile, both the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation welcomed this development. NBI Director Jaime Santiago assured that Totoy will receive protection should he formally cooperate. “Wag syang matakot. Maganda yan, welcome yan,” Santiago said.
Totoy has reportedly submitted his affidavit and pledged to name the mastermind behind the brutal killings, giving the long-stalled case a renewed push toward resolution.
