MANILA — More than three years after the disappearance of over 100 sabungeros (cockfighters), a key witness has come forward with explosive allegations implicating not only rogue police officers but also a well-known showbiz actress.

The man, identified as alias Totoy, told GMA News that the high-profile actress was part of an “alpha team” that orchestrated the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros from April 2021 to January 2022.

“May isang babaeng celebrity,’di ko naman pangalanan at alam na nila’yan. Kasama siya sa alpha member. Ibig sabihin kasama siya sa grupo,” Totoy said in a televised interview aired on GMA’s 24 Oras on Thursday, June 26.

According to him, the actress wasn’t merely a minor figure, she was present in the meetings where key decisions were made.

“Isa rin siya ‘pag nagmi-meeting-meeting, andu’n siya. Isa rin siya na susi kung sakali. Siya ang mas marami din alam,” he added.

The allegations have reignited nationwide attention on what is considered one of the country’s most chilling unsolved cases. The victims, mostly men from various provinces, were last seen attending cockfighting events, with many believed to have been targeted by syndicates involved in cheating operations, particularly “panyonyope” or fight-fixing.

Some suspects have already been identified, including several active-duty police officers and arena staff. However, Totoy claims there are over 30 individuals involved. He also said his sworn affidavit could significantly advance the case.

While he declined to name the actress during the interview, Totoy emphasized that she, along with other individuals, should face charges. He noted that he is awaiting more evidence and corroboration from other witnesses before formally filing his affidavit.

“Totoy,” a former security guard at the Manila Arena, previously alleged that the victims were strangled with wire and dumped in Taal Lake, a volcanic crater lake in Batangas, south of Metro Manila.

To date, no bodies have been officially recovered.

NAPOLCOM Steps In

In response to the revived accusations, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan announced an immediate investigation into the alleged involvement of law enforcement officers.

“I am appealing to Alyas Totoy to appear and submit his Complaint Affidavit with the NAPOLCOM, so we can investigate and hear this case with absolute dispatch,” Calinisan said.

He assured the public that any police officer found to be involved in the abductions and killings would be held accountable.

“There needs to be swift justice, and we will not hesitate to dispense swift justice,” he declared.

However, NAPOLCOM clarified that it can only pursue administrative proceedings. Officers found liable could face suspension, demotion, or outright dismissal from the service.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) are now coordinating efforts to reopen and resolve the case.

“Mabigat ang Kalaban” – DOJ

The DOJ has warned that “powerful figures” could be behind the string of disappearances.

“Tandaan nyo ambigat ng kalaban dito, ang pera nyan nakakapasok even sa judiciary. And that’s one thing that we might have to talk to the Chief Justice about, kasi mabigat ang pera ng e-sabong, hindi ito basta-basta kalaban,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in an interview.

“(B)asta yung sinasabi ng mastermind, in his own words, kahit Supreme Court daw kaya nya,” Remulla added.

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