🚨 Whispers Beneath the Waters: Is Atong Ang Behind the Missing Sabungeros in Taal Lake?

Introduction

The Philippine cockfighting industry, once a booming enterprise mixing tradition, thrill, and controversy, now finds itself at the center of one of the most haunting mysteries in recent memory: the disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) between 2021 and 2022. In a shocking twist in 2025, fresh allegations have surfaced pointing to a chilling theory — that these missing individuals may have been killed and dumped into Taal Lake.

What makes this case more explosive is the mention of a well-known name in gambling and entertainment circles: Atong Ang. Is there truth to the whispers linking him to this dark mystery, or is he being unfairly drawn into a web of speculation?

Let’s dive deep into the timeline, testimonies, and the facts that have resurfaced in the latest development of this unsolved national scandal.

Who Is Atong Ang?

Atong Ang is a known figure in the Philippine gaming scene. For years, he has been publicly associated with various gaming ventures, particularly e-sabong (online cockfighting), a billion-peso industry that boomed during the pandemic. Despite controversy surrounding the industry, Ang has consistently presented himself as a legitimate businessman operating within legal boundaries.

His name has repeatedly surfaced in public debates over the regulation and moral implications of e-sabong. However, never before has he been directly connected to a case as serious as the disappearance — and now, alleged murder — of dozens of sabungeros.

The Disappearances: A Chilling Pattern

Between April 2021 and January 2022, families began reporting the sudden disappearance of their loved ones — all connected in one way or another to cockfighting. The victims hailed from Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, and Metro Manila. Most had last been seen near cockfighting arenas or after receiving messages related to e-sabong events.

Authorities eventually compiled the cases and confirmed that 34 sabungeros had vanished under mysterious circumstances. Despite investigations by the PNP-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and calls for action from both lawmakers and the public, leads went cold. Until now.

The 2025 Breakthrough: A Suspect Speaks

In June 2025, an arrested security guard — identified only by his alias, “Totoy” — gave a shocking sworn statement: all 34 missing sabungeros were dead, and their bodies had been strangled and dumped into Taal Lake.

Totoy claimed to have been part of the group tasked with disposing of the bodies. He described the victims as being tied with plastic cords or wire, weighted with sandbags, and transported in the dead of night before being discarded into the deep lake, never to be found.

But perhaps more alarming was his allegation that “a powerful man” behind the e-sabong operations ordered the killings. Though he did not directly name Atong Ang in his signed affidavit, online chatter and speculation quickly pointed in his direction — especially given his known ties to the cockfighting business.

What Is the Alleged Motive?

While no direct link has been proven, the theory being explored by investigators is as follows:

Some sabungeros may have had outstanding debts or disputes with operators of online cockfighting platforms.
There are allegations that a “cleansing operation” was initiated to silence individuals suspected of leaking information, stealing funds, or causing operational trouble.
The victims may have been seen as liabilities, especially as public scrutiny on e-sabong grew in early 2022, leading to its eventual suspension.

If these claims are validated, it would mark one of the most coordinated mass killings in modern Philippine crime history — and it would demand accountability at the highest levels.

The Role of Authorities

Since the testimony came to light, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has vowed to take the allegations seriously. Plans are underway to deploy divers and forensic investigators to areas of Taal Lake identified by the suspect.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and PNP–CIDG are both involved in the next phase of the case: determining whether the lake contains physical evidence, such as bodies or remnants of disposal materials, that could confirm Totoy’s account.

Moreover, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) is probing the role of certain officers alleged to have colluded with the perpetrators.

What Does Atong Ang Say?

At the time of writing, Atong Ang has not issued a direct public statement regarding the latest revelations. However, in past interviews, he has consistently denied any connection to illegal operations or violence, reiterating that his involvement in e-sabong was legal and sanctioned during its official run.

His silence, however, has left room for speculation. Without a clear response, many wonder: is he choosing to stay quiet under legal advice, or is he being falsely implicated by someone trying to deflect blame?

Public and Political Reaction

The public response has been one of outrage and unease. Families of the missing sabungeros — who have lived in uncertainty for over three years — are demanding closure and justice. Several senators and congressmen have renewed calls for full transparency and accountability in the investigation.

The case has also reignited debates over whether e-sabong should ever be legalized again. While the industry generated massive revenue, it also allegedly opened doors to money laundering, addiction, and organized violence.

Taal Lake Under the Spotlight

Taal Lake, a natural wonder and tourist destination, is now being regarded through a darker lens. Local residents are expressing concern, not just for the impact on tourism, but also over the possible contamination or ecological disruption if bodies are recovered from its depths.

Fisherfolk and sellers of tawilis, a freshwater delicacy from the lake, have reported a decline in sales following the reports — despite officials assuring the public that no confirmed remains have been recovered so far.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial. If divers and investigators recover physical evidence from the lake, it could confirm the worst fears of the victims’ families and validate Totoy’s testimony.

If no evidence is found, investigators must determine whether the suspect fabricated the story or if the bodies were disposed of differently. Either outcome would bring scrutiny upon all parties involved — including those in law enforcement, business, and government.

Meanwhile, the pressure continues to mount on Atong Ang to respond clearly and publicly.

Final Thoughts

The saga of the missing sabungeros is no longer just a mystery — it is a test of how the Philippine justice system handles high-stakes, high-profile criminal allegations involving powerful names.

Whether or not Atong Ang is found to have direct involvement, his name will remain tied to this story unless he is fully cleared through evidence or trial. The families, the public, and the industry are all waiting — not for another theory, but for the truth.

🔗 Related Articles

The 34 Missing Sabungeros: A Complete Timeline of Disappearances (2021–2025)
E-Sabong Shutdown: What Led to the Fall of a Billion-Peso Industry
Taal Lake Mystery: How Deep Divers Are Preparing for a Historic Search
Atong Ang Profile: The Man, the Myth, the Industry
From Hobby to Horror: When Traditional Games Turn Deadly