The case surrounding the alleged murders of dozens of cockfighting participants in the Philippines has taken a dramatic turn. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla announced Friday that he has requested technical assistance from Japan to aid in the search for bodies believed to be submerged in Lake Taal, south of Manila. This follows the televised testimony of a witness, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former mayoral candidate, who claimed knowledge of the location of the bodies.
The disappearances, linked to the immensely popular local cockfighting industry known as “sabong,” date back to 2022. Patidongan’s appearance, initially in silhouette due to safety concerns, has reignited public interest and spurred the investigation forward. He has implicated Charlie Ang, a figure in the livestreamed cockfighting operations, as the mastermind. Ang, however, denies all accusations and has countersued Patidongan for slander.
Remulla stated that multiple witnesses are now prepared to testify on the precise locations where the bodies were allegedly disposed of in Lake Taal. Fifteen national police officers are currently under investigation and have been placed on restricted duty, accused of carrying out the executions. The Justice Secretary emphasized the need for a scientific approach, citing the lake’s significant size and depth (up to 564 feet) as well as the presence of an active volcano, making a traditional search extremely challenging.
The scale of the potential tragedy is staggering. While initially, 34 disappearances were linked to this case, Patidongan now suggests the number could be as high as 100. The popularity of online cockfighting, fueled by the pandemic and mobile betting, had led to millions of dollars being wagered daily, according to a 2022 Senate investigation reported by the BBC. This lucrative, yet illegal activity, ultimately led to increased scrutiny and an eventual ban by former President Rodrigo Duterte after the disappearances.
The Philippines’ reliance on cockfighting, a sport banned in many countries, highlights a complex cultural and economic landscape. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly traditional practices. The involvement of Japanese technology represents a significant escalation in the investigation, offering a glimmer of hope for uncovering the truth and bringing closure to the families of the missing.
This development follows recent news of cockfighting crackdowns in other parts of the world, including a bust in South Florida and the euthanasia of hundreds of birds seized from an operation in Kansas. The international attention focused on these cases underscores the ongoing struggle to regulate this controversial activity.
