Two Witnesses Allegedly Framed with Drugs After Accusation of Cheating in Online Cockfighting: A Dark Twist in the Missing Sabungeros Case

Introduction

The case of the missing sabungeros — cockfighting enthusiasts who mysteriously vanished amid controversies surrounding online cockfighting (e-sabong) — has gripped the Philippines for years. Recent developments have unveiled new layers of deception and abuse of power. Among the most disturbing revelations is the allegation that two key witnesses who dared to speak out about the disappearances were themselves victims of a criminal frame-up, being accused falsely of drug possession to silence their testimony.

This article delves deeply into this incident, the backdrop of the e-sabong industry, and its wider implications on justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the Philippines.

Background: The Missing Sabungeros and the E-Sabong Controversy

The term “sabungeros” refers to individuals involved in cockfighting — a traditional and hugely popular sport in the Philippines. However, the landscape changed drastically when e-sabong (online cockfighting) platforms exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. While providing entertainment and livelihood to many, these platforms also became hotbeds for illegal gambling syndicates, corruption, and criminal activity.

Between 2021 and 2022, over 30 sabungeros disappeared mysteriously. Their cases remain largely unsolved, but rumors of violence, retribution, and organized crime involvement abound. Some were believed to have been killed and their bodies disposed of in locations such as Taal Lake, where authorities recently recovered burned human bones.

Who Are the Two Witnesses?

The two men at the center of the latest scandal are former participants and insiders of the e-sabong underground networks. Both had firsthand knowledge of illicit activities, including match-fixing, intimidation tactics, and involvement of powerful figures in the disappearance of their peers.

In early 2025, they came forward voluntarily, providing critical testimony to the authorities. Their information helped uncover new leads that guided the search efforts in Taal Lake and opened new fronts in the investigation.

Accusation of Cheating and Sudden Arrests

Shortly after their testimonies began to draw attention, the two men faced fresh accusations: they were charged with cheating during online cockfighting matches. While cheating is not uncommon in this illicit scene, what alarmed their supporters was the timing and nature of the accusations.

Within days, both men were arrested during what their lawyers call “illegal raids” on their homes and places of work. Official police reports claimed they found shabu (methamphetamine) on their persons, leading to their filing of drug possession charges.

Allegations of Framing and Illegal Planting of Evidence

The men’s legal counsel, Attorney Mario de Villa, categorically denies the charges, insisting the drugs were planted to discredit the witnesses and derail the investigation.

“This is a textbook case of using the war on drugs as a cover-up for silencing witnesses. The timing, the manner of the arrests, the questionable chain of custody of the evidence — all point to a deliberate attempt to frame my clients,” de Villa told the press.

Several human rights groups have expressed concern over the pattern of similar cases where suspected whistleblowers or critics face sudden and suspicious drug charges.

Impact on the Missing Sabungeros Investigation

The framing of these two witnesses threatens to undermine one of the few credible sources of inside information in the mysterious disappearance of dozens of sabungeros.

Their testimony is vital not only for identifying possible perpetrators but also for exposing the connections between gambling syndicates, corrupt officials, and rogue law enforcement officers implicated in the case.

With the witnesses detained and facing criminal charges, their ability to cooperate and provide further information has been severely curtailed.

Human Rights and Legal Implications

The case raises serious questions about the use of illegal tactics to obstruct justice in the Philippines. The alleged planting of drugs violates constitutional rights, including the right to due process, freedom from illegal searches and seizures, and protection against false imprisonment.

Advocates stress that such acts undermine public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. They call for reforms and safeguards to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, especially in high-profile cases involving powerful interests.

Calls for Witness Protection

Lawmakers and civil society groups have urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide immediate protection for the two men under the Witness Protection Program (WPP). Protection would include:

Security guarantees against harassment or harm
Legal support and counsel
Medical and psychological care
Relocation if necessary

Senator Risa Hontiveros and other advocates filed motions in the Senate and House of Representatives demanding an investigation into the harassment of witnesses in the sabungeros case.

The Larger Picture: E-Sabong and Its Dark Underbelly

E-sabong has been a lucrative but controversial industry. At its peak, online cockfighting raked in hundreds of millions of pesos per month. Yet, its rapid, often unregulated growth opened the door to criminal syndicates, match-fixing, and violence.

The disappearance of the sabungeros is widely believed to be linked to turf wars, revenge killings, and power struggles within this gambling underworld.

The framing of witnesses shows the lengths to which those involved will go to protect their interests and silence dissent.

Authorities’ Official Responses

The DOJ and Philippine National Police (PNP) have publicly promised to investigate the allegations of framing and harassment. However, critics remain skeptical, citing past incidents where investigations stalled or failed to hold high-ranking individuals accountable.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed transparency and justice in the sabungeros case but has yet to comment directly on the recent witness framing.

Families and Communities: The Human Cost

For families of the missing sabungeros, the ongoing turmoil is deeply painful. Years of waiting for answers have been met with frustration as new allegations of cover-ups and intimidation arise.

Communities reliant on cockfighting for livelihood are also caught in the crossfire — some fearing to speak out, others demanding reform and justice.

International and NGO Involvement

The situation has attracted international attention, with organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch calling on the Philippine government to uphold human rights and protect witnesses.

There are also reports of foreign experts assisting with forensic examinations of remains recovered from Taal Lake, providing hope that scientific evidence will strengthen the case.

What’s Next?

Continued forensic work to identify remains
Legal battles to clear the witnesses’ names
Possible expansion of investigations to include those accused of framing witnesses
Congressional hearings on the e-sabong industry and related abuses
Calls for reforms to ensure protection of whistleblowers and witnesses in future cases

Conclusion

The story of the missing sabungeros, already a dark chapter in the Philippines’ recent history, grows even more troubling with reports of witness framing and intimidation. These actions threaten not only the pursuit of justice but the very foundations of law and order.

Only through transparency, protection for witnesses, and relentless investigation can the truth emerge — and the families of the missing find some semblance of closure.

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Human Rights Groups Call for Protection of Whistleblowers in E-Sabong Scandal