MANILA, Philippines – June 2025
The 34 missing cockfighting gamblers Taal Lake investigation has taken a dramatic turn as Filipino authorities dive deeper into the disappearance of the men who vanished three years ago.
These gamblers were reportedly involved in cockfighting and were accused of match-fixing before they mysteriously disappeared. Authorities are now investigating the possibility that the missing men were strangled and thrown into Taal Lake, a volcanic lake that surrounds an active volcano in the Philippines.
The Mysterious Disappearance of 34 Gamblers
The disappearance of the 34 men shocked the nation. The gamblers, known for their involvement in the lucrative cockfighting industry, disappeared without a trace in Manila and its neighboring provinces.
Over the years, several leads were followed, and six suspects were later charged with kidnapping. Recently, one of the suspects claimed during a TV interview that the men were strangled to death and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake.
Allegations of Murder and Disposal in Taal Lake
The claim made by the suspect has given new direction to the investigation. Authorities are now considering the possibility of conducting a dive search in Taal Lake to find any human remains that may confirm the suspect’s story.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla emphasized that the government is committed to seeking the truth. “We can’t just let it pass. We have to be responsible enough to seek the truth, especially in cases like this,” Remulla said.
E-Sabong and Its Ties to the Gambling Industry
The investigation also sheds light on the controversial rise of e-sabong, or livestreamed cockfighting, which became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-sabong turned into a multi-million dollar industry in the Philippines, generating up to 620 million pesos ($10.8m) in monthly licensing fees for the government.
However, this industry was also linked to the missing cockfighting gamblers, as they were allegedly involved in the illegal activities surrounding online cockfighting during its boom.
Legal Actions Against E-Sabong and Traditional Cockfighting
Due to the controversy and the connection to the disappearance of the 34 men, e-sabong was eventually banned by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. Despite this ban, traditional cockfighting remains legal in the Philippines, continuing to be a significant part of the local gambling culture.
The Criminal Underworld Behind Gambling Operations
Beyond the cockfighting industry, online gambling operations have also been linked to criminal activities. Last year, authorities uncovered scam centers and human trafficking rings hiding behind illegal online casinos catering to mainland Chinese clients.
The government has taken action to outlaw Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in response to these issues.
Ongoing Investigation and Accountability
The investigation into the missing cockfighting gamblers is still ongoing. Authorities are determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the families affected by the disappearances.
As the investigation continues, Justice Secretary Remulla emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that the full extent of the crime is revealed.
Resources 📚
- Bbc.com, Search for 34 missing cockfighting gamblers points to volcanic lake
- Newsinfo.inquirer, DOJ checks claims on cockfighters’ Taal Lake ‘burial’
Maria Theresa Mondragon, better known online as Antie Marites, is a 33-year-old Filipina content creator who’s turning “chismis” into credible news and meaningful conversation.
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