More than 100 sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, may have been killed in connection with illegal online cockfighting operations, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed Wednesday.
This figure far exceeds the previously reported 34 missing individuals.
Remulla disclosed that a key witness, identified only by the alias “Totoy,” is now under police protection and is considered credible. Alias Totoy claims that a syndicate behind e-sabong operations systematically abducted and killed suspected cheaters, with hitmen allegedly receiving P500,000 per target.
The DoJ chief added that these payments were verified through vouchers.
“Totoy was a trusted insider. He knew the people, the operations, and he had access to documents,” Remulla said. “We’re looking at mass murder here.”
Remulla indicated that the victims’ bodies were likely dumped in Taal Lake. The Department of Justice has requested assistance from the Japanese government, seeking underwater remote operating vehicles to help search the lakebed for remains.
Totoy may be admitted as a state witness once legal procedures are completed and the case buildup is finalized.
“He already has pending charges, but we are studying how to discharge him if his testimony becomes indispensable,” Remulla said.