A chilling new claim that police officers and a female celebrity were involved in the disappearance of dozens of missing cockfighting workers in the Philippines has reignited a long-dormant case that once shocked the country and raised questions about a possible cover-up.
Advertisement
A suspect in the 2021-22 disappearances of 34 Filipino cock fighters has claimed that at least 30 people, including police officers, were involved in the case.
“My estimate is about 10 are civilians, maybe more, while about 20 are in service,” he told GMA News.
The man, identified in media reports only by the alias “Totoy”, also alleged that a popular female celebrity in the Philippines was part of the inner circle who knew about the disappearances, and was named in an affidavit that he was set to turn over to the authorities.
“She would be present during meetings, and would be key in this case as she has more knowledge [about the disappearances],” he said in an interview with GMA News on Thursday.
Advertisement
The mastermind behind the abductions, Totoy said, was a powerful and wealthy figure “who can influence even the Supreme Court”.
Totoy earlier claimed the bodies of more than 30 victims were thrown into Taal Lake, a volcanic lake and popular tourist attraction in Tagaytay just 65km south of Manila.