The Philippine National Police (PNP) has welcomed the revelations made by a former security guard of Manila Arena, who is now a state witness in the case concerning the disappearance of approximately 34 cockfighters in Manila in 2021.
According to Police Regional Office-3 Director and concurrent PNP Spokesperson, Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, they will utilize the new information provided by the whistleblower, known as alias “Totoy,” to reopen the case. “Isiniwalat ni alyas ‘Totoy’ na inilibing umano sa Taal Lake ang labi ng mga naturang sabungero,” Fajardo stated.
While Fajardo acknowledged the challenges in locating the remains of the 34 cockfighters due to the vastness of Taal Lake, PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III has committed to leading the search efforts.
The PNP intends to reach out to the emerging witness to obtain an official statement and is prepared to provide additional security for the individual. It is worth noting that six guards from Manila Arena were charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention related to the disappearance of the cockfighters but were able to post bail in 2023.