Filipino authorities are currently delving into a disturbing claim regarding the suspected fates of a group of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts who vanished three years ago. These individuals, who had faced accusations of match-fixing in the popular sport, disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the capital city of Manila and its nearby provinces.
In a recent development, six suspects were charged with kidnapping. During a television interview on Thursday, one of these individuals alleged that the missing men were strangled and subsequently disposed of in Taal Lake, a body of water encircling an active volcano. This shocking assertion has intensified the investigation into the disappearance.
The rise of online cockfighting and its consequences
Cockfighting is not merely a traditional pastime in the Philippines; it has evolved into a lucrative multi-million dollar industry. The sport, which involves wagering on roosters engaged in brutal battles, generated approximately 620 million pesos ($10.8 million) monthly in licensing fees for the government, especially during the Covid pandemic. Livestreamed cockfights, known locally as “e-sabong,” surged in popularity as in-person events were halted, bringing in daily betting amounts that reportedly reached 3 billion pesos ($52.4 million).
However, the disappearance of the 34 men has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity and safety of the industry. Following this incident, the livestreamed events faced increased scrutiny, ultimately leading to a ban on e-sabong by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. Traditional cockfighting remains legal, but the shadow of controversy looms large over its modern counterpart.
Authorities’ response and ongoing investigations
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla announced that the authorities are considering deploying divers to search for potential human remains in Taal Lake. “We can’t just let it pass and just let it go. We have to be responsible enough to seek the truth especially in cases like this,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the investigation.
Moreover, Remulla indicated that the investigation will extend to identifying additional witnesses who might provide crucial information concerning the case.
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, where gambling is legal despite opposition from church leaders, the cockfighting industry continues to thrive. However, some online gambling operations have been associated with criminal activities, including human trafficking and scams. This prompted President Ferdinand Marcos to outlaw Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos), as authorities uncovered extensive scam centers operating under the guise of online casinos catering primarily to mainland Chinese clients.