Marcos vows whole-of-gov approach in investigating sabungero disappearances

During his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to pursue a whole-of-government approach in investigating criminal syndicates responsible for the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts.

Marcos emphasized that no one is above the law and everyone involved, whether they are civilians or government officials, will be held accountable regardless of their status or wealth.

Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy, alleged that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and dumped in Taal Lake due to match-fixing or cheating in cockfighting games.

A total of 34 individuals have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022, but the actual number could be higher.

The government is currently investigating at least 30 individuals over these disappearances, including allegations that current and former police officers were involved in the abductions and deaths.

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the investigation remains ongoing with no details released due to the case's early stage.

The search for missing sabungeros was first suspended on July 18, 2025, due to bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Crising.