The case of the collective disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts in the Philippines has stirred up again. The Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP IAS) has called for a suspect who claims to be "Totoy" to submit a formal written statement as soon as possible to help clarify the truth behind dozens of disappearance cases and provide key evidence for the prosecution of possibly involved police officers.
This high-profile case occurred between April 2021 and January 2022, with 34 cockfighting participants mysteriously disappearing in Manila and other places, causing strong social concern. Totoy, a man who once worked as a security guard at a cockfighting arena, revealed in an interview with GMA TV on June 24 that at least 20 police officers were involved, which was shocking.
Brigido Dulay, the Inspector General of the Philippine National Police, responded that although Totoy's allegations are significant, he has not yet submitted a formal written statement to the police. He stated, "If these statements can be transformed into specific written testimonies, it would greatly promote the progress of the investigation and establish a clearer chain of evidence."
Dulay emphasized that although the police have initiated an investigation based on existing materials, the content of the TV interview and congressional hearings are still not sufficient to constitute a legal basis for prosecution. He urged Totoy and others with key information to cooperate as soon as possible to "document" the facts, making the case legally operable.
In fact, preliminary law enforcement actions have already been taken in this case. In 2023, seven police officers were dismissed for their alleged involvement in the disappearance case of online cockfighting agent Ricardo Lasco. If Totoy's testimony can further clarify the charges against these individuals, they will face not just administrative sanctions but could also be held criminally responsible.
Dulay also encouraged the families of the disappeared and informants to provide more clues and stated that the police have the authority to initiate an investigation "by virtue of their office" without a formal complaint. He added, "We do not need to wait for someone to file a complaint to act; maintaining the rule of law and justice is the duty of the police."
Moreover, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced last week that it has launched an independent investigation into the clues involving Totoy. Dulay stated that the Internal Affairs Service will fully cooperate with the commission's investigation.
This case, now refocused due to the "security guard's revelations," involves a wide range of police forces and complex case details, potentially triggering a new round of law enforcement system reforms. Whether the police can break through the "wall of silence" and restore the full picture of the event is something society is eagerly watching.
