In a jaw-dropping twist to the long-running mystery of the missing sabungeros, a new witness has come forward — and what he revealed could be the key to unlocking one of the most disturbing crime cases in recent Philippine history.

The witness, whose identity is being withheld for safety, dropped explosive allegations linking the disappearances of several cockfighting players to high-ranking police officers allegedly involved in a nationwide illegal betting and kidnapping operation.\

 34 Sabungeros Missing — and Still No Closure

It has been more than two years since 34 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) mysteriously vanished in separate incidents across Luzon. Despite public outcry, Senate hearings, and multiple investigations, the case remained in limbo — until now.

This newly surfaced witness, reportedly a former police asset, provided firsthand details implicating at least five senior police officials in the orchestrated abductions.

“May utos galing sa taas. Hindi ito simpleng kidnapping. Planado lahat — mula sa pag-monitor sa sabungan, hanggang sa pagsundo, at pati kung saan sila dinala,” said the witness during a closed-door session with the Department of Justice.

 Evidence, Names, and the Shocking Modus

According to the witness, the victims were targeted after big wins in online or on-site cockfights. Once identified, they were followed, abducted, and either forced to surrender their earnings — or worse.

“May iba na pinapatay para hindi na magsalita. Yung iba, ginagamit pang ‘example’ para matakot ang ibang mananaya.”

The witness even named specific high-ranking officials, including:

A colonel formerly assigned to an NCR intelligence unit

A provincial director in Central Luzon

A CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) senior officer allegedly tasked with “clearing the area” before an abduction

Two retired generals who allegedly served as protectors and financial backers of the illegal cockfighting operations

This shocking testimony was reportedly backed by audio recordings, financial transactions, and photos of victims held in safehouses.

 DOJ and NBI React Swiftly

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that the witness is now under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and that multiple arrest warrants may soon be issued.

“This is the break we’ve been waiting for. The evidence is serious. The people involved? Even more shocking.”

The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) has reopened several case folders and is now coordinating with Interpol in case any of the suspects have fled abroad.

 Families React: “We Want Justice!”

Families of the missing sabungeros were visibly emotional upon hearing the update.

“Gusto lang namin malaman kung nasaan na ang mga mahal namin. Patay o buhay, ibalik sila,” said Marissa, whose brother disappeared after attending a cockfight in Laguna.

Many expressed relief that progress is finally being made — but also rage at the possibility that those meant to protect citizens may have engineered the disappearances themselves.

“Kung totoo ito, grabe ang betrayal. Hindi lang ito kaso ng krimen — ito ay kasalanan sa buong bayan,” said a grieving father.

 PNP in Crisis: “We Will Not Tolerate This”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) quickly issued a statement, promising full cooperation with the DOJ and NBI.

“We will not tolerate any wrongdoing within our ranks. If any officers are proven guilty, we will make sure they face the full force of the law,” said PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

However, social media has erupted with skepticism, with many netizens demanding immediate suspensions and public transparency in the investigation.

 Senate Urged to Reopen Hearings

Several senators, including Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Bato dela Rosa, are now calling for a reopening of the Senate hearings into the missing sabungeros, citing this new testimony as a major turning point.

“We owe it to the victims. We owe it to the public. Let the truth come out,” said Sen. Hontiveros.

 What Comes Next?

Indictments and possible arrests within days

Reopening of cold cases tied to illegal cockfighting and forced disappearances

Heightened security for the witness and affected families

Renewed public and political pressure on the PNP

The question now is no longer just “where are the sabungeros?” — but “how deep does this conspiracy go?”
And if these shocking claims are proven true, it could mark one of the biggest scandals in the history of Philippine law enforcement.

This story is far from over. Stay tuned.