The Missing Sabungeros Mystery: Tattoo Evidence Presented by Alyas Totoy and Its Implications in the Disappearance Cases (NH)

Introduction

The disappearance of dozens of sabungeros — cockfighting players and enthusiasts involved in the booming but controversial e-sabong industry — has long puzzled authorities and captivated the public in the Philippines. Recently, the story gained a new twist as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known by his alias Alyas Totoy, came forward with a crucial piece of evidence: a tattoo he showed investigators that, he claims, matches the distinctive tattoos seen on some of the missing sabungeros.

This tattoo evidence could potentially link the victims and provide leads in a case that has been clouded by secrecy, silence, and speculation for years. This article explores the significance of the tattoo, its relation to the missing sabungeros, the context of the e-sabong industry, and ongoing efforts to unravel one of the Philippines’ most disturbing unresolved mysteries.

The Background of the Missing Sabungeros Cases

Between 2021 and 2022, reports surfaced about a troubling phenomenon — a number of sabungeros involved in online cockfighting operations began to vanish under mysterious circumstances. These disappearances were scattered across several provinces, including Bulacan, Batangas, and parts of Metro Manila.

Sabong, a traditional sport in the Philippines involving cockfighting, has evolved with technology into e-sabong, an online gambling platform that has attracted millions of pesos in betting daily. However, alongside its rapid growth, the industry became riddled with controversies — from alleged illegal activities to concerns about regulatory oversight.

The missing sabungeros cases raised red flags because many of the victims reportedly had ties to the e-sabong network. Theories about why they disappeared ranged from financial disputes, settling of debts, or silencing whistleblowers, to more sinister possibilities involving coordinated kidnappings and murders.

Who Is Alyas Totoy?

Julie Patidongan, or Alyas Totoy, emerged as a key witness after voluntarily approaching authorities to share what he claims to know about the disappearances. Once a security guard at cockfighting arenas, Totoy says he was part of or witnessed operations tied to the abduction and disposal of sabungeros.

His courage to come forward, despite potential risks, made headlines and prompted several agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Supreme Court, to intensify investigations.

The Tattoo Evidence: What Was Shown?

One of the most compelling elements presented by Totoy is a tattoo he claims to have seen on some of the missing sabungeros — a distinctive design that serves as a sort of “identifier” within certain circles in the e-sabong scene.

According to Totoy:

The tattoo features a specific symbol or pattern (detailed descriptions vary, but reportedly includes imagery tied to cockfighting culture, such as roosters, blades, or other symbolic elements).
He personally saw this tattoo on at least three individuals who later disappeared.
The tattoo’s presence suggests that the victims might have been part of a particular group or faction within the e-sabong community.

Authorities have been gathering photographs and testimonies to compare the tattoo to images of missing sabungeros, hoping to use it as a linking clue to establish victim profiles and track their last known whereabouts.

Why Are Tattoos Important in the Investigation?

Tattoos can serve multiple investigative purposes:

Identification: In cases where victims’ bodies are not immediately recovered or are found decomposed, tattoos can help forensic experts establish identities.
Gang or Group Affiliation: Tattoos may signify membership in particular groups, which can help investigators understand relationships and motives.
Tracing Networks: Knowing that certain tattoos are common within a network may help map connections between suspects, victims, and locations.

In the missing sabungeros cases, where several victims were allegedly killed and bodies disposed of in difficult-to-reach places like Taal Lake, tattoo evidence may become a vital tool in piecing together the puzzle.

The Broader Context: E-Sabong and Its Risks

E-sabong’s exponential growth has created not only financial opportunities but also vulnerabilities. The largely unregulated environment fostered:

Illegal gambling rings
Fixers and middlemen operating behind the scenes
Corruption allegations involving law enforcement and government officials

The involvement of tattoos could reflect the complex social structures and power dynamics operating within e-sabong, where loyalties and rivalries can be marked symbolically.

Authorities’ Response and Ongoing Investigations

Following Totoy’s disclosure of the tattoo, the Philippine National Police intensified efforts to:

Cross-reference tattoo designs with records and photos of missing persons.
Interview witnesses and insiders connected to e-sabong operations.
Deploy underwater search teams to areas like Taal Lake, where Totoy claimed some victims were dumped.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also launched an inquiry into alleged interference by a former judge who was rumored to have acted as a fixer for key figures in the e-sabong industry — a probe that may uncover additional links to the missing sabungeros case.

Challenges Faced by Investigators

Despite these promising leads, investigators face significant hurdles:

Lack of formal affidavits from Totoy, as his statements are still being processed, limiting immediate legal action.
Fear among witnesses and insiders who might possess crucial information.
The dangerous nature of e-sabong’s criminal undercurrents, which may involve powerful figures.
Difficult terrain in searching and recovering bodies in lakes and remote areas.

Public Reaction and the Call for Justice

The public has expressed growing concern about the safety of sabungeros and the integrity of the gaming industry. Online forums, news outlets, and social media platforms have become hubs for discussions, speculation, and calls for transparency.

Many are urging the government to:

Strengthen regulatory frameworks around e-sabong.
Protect whistleblowers like Alyas Totoy.
Ensure thorough and impartial investigations.

Civil society groups have also highlighted the need for support systems for the families of missing sabungeros.

What the Tattoo Evidence Could Mean Going Forward

If forensic and testimonial investigations confirm that the tattoo is linked to missing victims, this would provide a critical breakthrough:

It would validate Totoy’s accounts and increase pressure on authorities to act.
Enable better victim identification.
Help dismantle parts of the criminal network responsible.
Give families hope for closure.

The tattoo, therefore, is more than just ink on skin — it could be the key to unlocking answers in a case that has long haunted the nation.

Conclusion

The mysterious disappearances of sabungeros involved in the e-sabong industry remain one of the Philippines’ most troubling unsolved cases. The tattoo evidence presented by Alyas Totoy adds a new dimension to the investigation, potentially linking victims and offering a tangible clue for authorities.

While challenges persist, the combined efforts of law enforcement, the judiciary, and the community offer a path forward toward truth and justice. The hope remains that through such breakthroughs, the missing sabungeros can be accounted for, their stories told, and similar tragedies prevented in the future.