A key suspect in the four-year disappearance of 34 cockfight enthusiasts, popularly known as “sabungeros,” has emerged, asserting that the missing individuals were killed and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake, Batangas. The individual, identified only as “alias Totoy,” is one of six security guards from Manila Arena implicated in the case and now seeks to become a state witness, citing threats to his family.

In a Tuesday interview with GMA News’ “24 Oras,” Totoy recounted a grim narrative, claiming the sabungeros were strangled with wire after being caught in alleged cheating schemes during cockfight games. He further suggested a broader scale of killings, alleging that more than just the 34 missing men, including even drug lords, were disposed of in Taal Lake. Totoy has pledged to reveal the mastermind behind these killings at a later date.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently scrutinizing Totoy’s testimony to verify its consistency with other evidence in the investigation. This development follows a recent decision by the Court of Appeals, which granted the prosecution’s motion to revoke the bail previously awarded to Totoy and his five co-accused by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40. The Philippine National Police has identified these six individuals, charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention, as Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano Jr.

Both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have committed to ensuring Totoy’s protection as a potential witness. Justice officials anticipate that this new testimony could significantly advance the long-stalled case towards a resolution.