“Absolutely Shameless”: Families of Missing Sabungeros Cry Out in Anguish Amid Delays in Justice

Introduction

More than three years since their loved ones mysteriously disappeared, the families of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) continue to grieve—angrier and more frustrated than ever. As investigations drag on and public interest fluctuates, the pain remains fresh for the families, who now say the system’s failure to provide justice feels not only like neglect, but insult.

In a press conference held in Quezon City this week, several family members described the emotional toll of the unresolved cases, criticizing what they called “napakawalang hiya” (shameless) actions and inaction from authorities, certain private individuals, and the justice system itself.

Their voices echoed a shared pain: they are tired of waiting, tired of silence, and tired of not knowing what truly happened.

1. A Case That Shocked the Nation

The saga of the missing sabungeros began between 2021 and 2022, when more than 30 individuals involved in e-sabong vanished without a trace. The disappearances were linked to cockfighting arenas in Laguna, Bulacan, Manila, and other provinces.

Initially dismissed by some as unrelated incidents, a clearer pattern soon emerged: these men, all associated with online cockfighting, were reportedly last seen at venues or shortly after interactions with unknown groups. CCTV footage, license plate tracking, and insider testimony painted a chilling picture of a coordinated scheme.

To this day, none of the sabungeros have been found. No one has been convicted. And no clear answers have been given.

2. Mothers, Wives, and Children Left Behind

At the recent press conference, mothers and wives sobbed as they recounted what daily life has been like since their loved ones disappeared.

“We are the ones left to suffer,” said Marissa, whose son, a sabungero from Laguna, was last seen in early 2022. “Every day, I light a candle. Every day, I wait for someone to call and tell me the truth. But what do we get? Nothing.”

Teresita, wife of another missing sabungero, expressed her growing distrust in the system:

“They know what happened. People in power know. But they are protecting each other. It’s been years—where are the arrests? Where are the bodies?”

As she held a photo of her husband, tears running down her face, she shouted:

“Napakawalang hiya kayong lahat na may alam pero nananahimik.”
(“Absolutely shameless—those of you who know the truth but remain silent.”)

3. Authorities Under Fire

Criticism has fallen heavily on law enforcement and government agencies. Families claim they have faced red tape, ignored follow-ups, and contradictory updates. They question why, despite early surveillance footage and alleged whistleblower reports, very little progress has been made.

A family attorney revealed that several requests for formal updates from the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation have gone unanswered for months. “They say they are still investigating. But what investigation lasts this long without even one clear breakthrough?”

4. The Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto Angle

Public focus intensified when businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto were named by whistleblowers as possible individuals of interest. The whistleblowers claimed knowledge of coordinated actions against sabungeros allegedly involved in “game fixing” or e-sabong fraud.

Ang has categorically denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as fake and malicious. His legal team has since filed countercharges of extortion and defamation against the whistleblowers.

But for families, this legal back-and-forth only deepens their pain.

“They are fighting in court about reputation,” said one parent. “But our children, our husbands, are gone. We don’t care about name-clearing. We want justice.”

5. What Happened to the Investigation?

In 2023, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of e-sabong operations due to mounting concerns over criminal links. Investigations began in earnest—but progress has stalled since.

Key pieces of evidence, including footage showing abductions at cockfighting arenas and GPS data from mobile phones, were submitted early on. Whistleblower testimonies even named specific “commanders” who allegedly directed these disappearances.

However, to date:

No suspects have been brought to trial.
Several whistleblowers have gone silent or into hiding.
Leads have reportedly gone cold.

This lack of progress has caused families to lose faith.

“Hindi kami bobo,” said the sister of one sabungero. “We know someone is protecting the guilty. There’s no way this just ‘stopped’ being solved. Napakawalang hiya talaga.”

6. Human Toll of a Lingering Mystery

Beyond the headlines, the human cost has been immense.

Children are growing up without fathers.
Elderly parents suffer in silence, unsure if their sons are dead or alive.
Spouses are left to raise families alone, with no closure.

Theresa, whose brother vanished in early 2022, described how their family has avoided celebrating birthdays, Christmas, and even New Year’s since the incident. “How can we celebrate when one chair is always empty?”

Psychologists working with the families say many now suffer from prolonged trauma. Anxiety, insomnia, depression, and distrust in government are common symptoms.

7. Civil Society and Legal Support

A coalition of legal aid groups, non-governmental organizations, and human rights advocates has stepped in to offer support. They have organized vigils, offered legal representation, and submitted reports to international bodies, urging accountability.

“These families are not just mourning—they’re fighting,” said Atty. Ramon Sevilla, who represents three of the families. “They are demanding action. And they will not stop.”

8. Calls to Action

At the end of the press event, families collectively read a public letter addressed to the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging:

The immediate release of official findings
The filing of charges where evidence is sufficient
The creation of a dedicated truth commission to review stalled cases
Better protection for whistleblowers and witnesses
Mental health and financial assistance for surviving families

The statement closed with a plea:

“This is not about politics. This is not about business. This is about our fathers, sons, and brothers. Give us the truth. Give us justice.”

9. The Bigger Picture: Justice in Limbo

The case of the missing sabungeros serves as a reflection of the broader issues within the Philippine justice system: delays, power dynamics, and unanswered questions. The mix of high-profile names, vanished whistleblowers, and alleged obstruction has created a fog that even dedicated investigators struggle to clear.

For many Filipinos, this is not just a case—it is a test of whether justice still functions when the accused hold influence, and the victims have no voice left but their families.

Conclusion

The grief and fury of the families are not simply emotional responses—they are justified reactions to years of neglect, unanswered questions, and public silence. Their cries of “napakawalang hiya” are not just words; they are an indictment of a system they feel has failed them.

As long as no truth is uncovered, and no justice is served, these families will continue to speak—loudly, painfully, and relentlessly.

Because for them, forgetting is not an option. And neither is silence.

📚 Related Articles for Further Reading

“Timeline: The Missing Sabungeros Case”
“Atong Ang Denies Involvement in Disappearances, Files Countercharges”
“DOJ Investigation on E-Sabong Linked Disappearances Stalls”
“How Families of the Missing Are Coping Three Years Later”
“The Cost of Online Cockfighting: From Riches to Vanishing Lives”