🔍 The Maid’s Revelation: Untold Details Behind the Disappearance of Dozens of Cockfighting Enthusiasts

“I saw things no one else did. I kept silent… until now.”
— A former housemaid finally reveals what she witnessed during a mysterious and controversial chapter in Philippine history.

📰 A NATIONAL MYSTERY RESURFACES

From mid-2021 to early 2022, the Philippines was rocked by a string of high-profile disappearances involving individuals who participated in cockfighting events — a once-thriving cultural pastime that, in recent years, had grown into a massive online and in-person industry.

At least 34 individuals vanished after attending various cockfighting derbies in locations around Luzon. Despite security footage, testimonies, and media coverage, very little progress was made in uncovering their fate.

Until now.

A recent development from an unlikely source—a domestic helper previously employed at one of the private estates linked to a known industry figure—has reignited public attention and stirred new hope for the families who’ve waited years for answers.

🧕 THE WITNESS NO ONE EXPECTED

In an exclusive sworn affidavit obtained by a local community rights organization, a 42-year-old woman referred to as Liza has stepped forward with what could be a major breakthrough.

Liza, who worked for over a year at a secluded estate in Batangas, claimed she saw and heard unusual activities during her stay—events that she did not understand at the time, but now believes could be related to the disappearance cases.

“There were nights when vehicles would arrive late and stay for hours,” she said. “We were asked to stay in our rooms. The next morning, there were signs that something had happened. I didn’t know what, but it didn’t feel right.”

She also recalled being instructed to clean certain areas that appeared stained and disturbed, though no explanations were provided. At one point, she overheard workers referring to a restricted section of the property as “the cold room.”

🏚️ THE ISOLATED PROPERTY

The estate where Liza worked was reportedly guarded, with some areas inaccessible even to staff. According to her statement, several unfamiliar men frequently visited, especially during derby weekends.

“Some of them wore the same shirts I saw in the news later,” she noted, referring to televised footage of the missing individuals.

She added that around the time of the disappearances, deliveries of construction materials and concrete mixers were unusually frequent—despite no visible renovations taking place on the main house.

⚖️ AUTHORITIES RESPOND

Following the affidavit, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed they are reassessing locations tied to known cockfighting venues and private estates previously examined.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, who has long criticized the handling of the case, praised the bravery of the witness and called for an immediate review of past evidence.

“This new testimony could fill the missing pieces of the puzzle,” he stated in a televised interview. “We owe it to the families to act fast and pursue the truth.”

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa echoed the sentiment, urging authorities to extend protection to the witness, calling her “a crucial key” to a mystery that had long gone cold.

👨‍👩‍👦 THE FAMILIES’ ENDLESS WAIT

For families of those who vanished, the resurfacing of the case brings a mix of hope and pain. Many have spent the last three years conducting their own investigations, funding billboard appeals, and making desperate media appearances.

Maricel Cruz, wife of one of the missing, said:

“I’ve prayed every night that someone would finally come forward. This is what we’ve been waiting for.”

Another relative described the recent developments as “the first light after a long tunnel of darkness.”

🧩 THEORIES, QUESTIONS, AND CLUES

Although no conclusive proof has yet been found, several questions now take center stage:

What was the purpose of the off-limits areas described by the witness?

Why were vehicles arriving late at night under strict privacy?

Were key surveillance recordings from the arenas fully examined?

Could other staff members have seen or heard similar things?

The Senate has confirmed it will reconvene its investigation and call on relevant parties to answer new inquiries raised by the affidavit.

🙏 A RISKY BUT COURAGEOUS STEP

Liza, now under protective care, explained that she chose to speak out not for recognition or reward, but out of conscience.

“I kept silent because I was scared. But watching the families year after year… I realized they needed someone to speak up.”

The rights organization supporting her says they will assist in ensuring she is safe and given support for any legal proceedings she may be involved in.

🕊️ STILL NO CLOSURE — BUT A GLIMMER OF HOPE

To this day, no formal resolution has been reached in any of the missing sabungero cases. While arrests were made in the past, none led to final convictions or the full recovery of those lost.

However, with this new testimony, authorities now face renewed public pressure to act decisively.

Senator Tulfo put it bluntly:

“If we ignore this, we betray not only the families but the very essence of justice.”

📢 THE CALL TO ACTION

The story of the missing sabungeros is no longer just a case of vanished individuals. It’s a symbol of a justice system struggling to keep pace with the demands of truth.

The people are watching. The families are waiting. And now, a voice once silenced has spoken.

Will this be the turning point? Or will the truth once again be buried in silence?

Only time—and action—will tell.