MISSING SABUNGEROS: PCSO Chairman Felix Reyes Denies Explosive Allegations Made by Patidongan — “Wala Akong Kinalaman!”

Manila, Philippines — The mystery surrounding the 34 missing sabungeros has taken another unexpected turn as PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) Chairman Felix Reyes firmly denied the serious accusations hurled against him by self-proclaimed whistleblower Leo Patidongan, who claimed that Reyes had “direct knowledge” or even “involvement” in the disappearances.

In a strongly worded statement released to the media on Thursday morning, Reyes condemned what he called “baseless, reckless, and politically motivated” allegations, vowing to cooperate with any legal investigation while also protecting his integrity and that of the PCSO.

“I categorically deny any involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros. I do not know these individuals personally, nor do I have any connection to the operations in question,” Reyes said during a press briefing.

The Allegation That Sparked It All

The firestorm began when Leo Patidongan, a former insider of an illegal e-sabong ring, appeared in a viral livestream last week, alleging that certain high-ranking officials — including Chairman Reyes — had knowledge of the shadowy dealings behind the mysterious vanishings of cockfighting enthusiasts.

According to Patidongan, some sabungeros were silenced because they had “found out too much” about the illegal betting system, including rigged matches, money laundering, and the names of government protectors.

“Bago sila mawala, may mga sabungero na gustong magsalita. Pero may mga opisyal na hindi pumayag. Felix Reyes knows who did this — he’s not innocent,” Patidongan boldly declared.

The statement sent shockwaves across social media, with many demanding answers from the PCSO, the PNP, and Malacañang.

Reyes Strikes Back: “Lies Will Not Go Unchallenged”

Chairman Reyes, who has been heading the PCSO since 2022, maintained that he has always been committed to transparency and public service. In his response, he questioned Patidongan’s credibility, pointing out that the alleged whistleblower has no direct connection to PCSO and is not listed in any official records.

“This is clearly an attempt to drag my name into an issue I have no knowledge of. Patidongan has never worked with PCSO. His claims are fabrications meant to distract from the real investigation.”

Reyes also hinted that legal action might be taken against Patidongan for libel and defamation.

“We are already coordinating with our legal team. We will not allow baseless accusations to destroy reputations without consequences.”

The Families React: “We Just Want the Truth”

Meanwhile, the families of the missing sabungeros remain trapped in a painful limbo, growing increasingly frustrated by the ongoing back-and-forth between government officials, whistleblowers, and investigators.

Maria Teresa Santiago, wife of one of the missing men, said:

“We don’t care about politics or power plays. We just want our loved ones back. If Mr. Reyes is innocent, then help us find who is responsible. But please — no more denials without action.”

Several families have asked the Senate to reopen hearings and summon all parties mentioned by Patidongan, including Reyes and other alleged protectors of e-sabong syndicates.

Senate to Investigate Anew?

Following the explosive claims, Senator Raffy Tulfo and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa both hinted at the possibility of reviving the Senate inquiry into the sabungeros’ case, which had gone cold after initial hearings in 2023.

“Kung totoo ang sinabi ni Patidongan, may malaking sindikato ito. Hindi tayo titigil hanggang hindi natin makuha ang katotohanan,” Senator Tulfo said in an interview.

Senator Bato added that “any official, no matter how high-ranking, should not be spared if evidence points in their direction.”

A subpoena for both Patidongan and Reyes is reportedly being prepared, pending confirmation of their presence and testimonies in the next round of hearings.

The Bigger Picture: Corruption in E-Sabong?

This latest development adds another layer of intrigue to an already disturbing case. From secret cockpits to government protectors, massive illegal betting, and now alleged murders, the e-sabong industry — once a source of entertainment and income — has become synonymous with danger and corruption.

Investigators believe the sabungeros may have been victims of a powerful underground network tied to billions of pesos in betting revenue, rigged matches, and illicit debt collection.

The drums found in Taal Lake earlier this year, believed to contain human remains, have only intensified calls for justice and accountability.

Public Outrage Builds

As expected, public sentiment has been strong and emotional. Social media is ablaze with calls for a full-blown, independent investigation into the PCSO and other gambling-related agencies.

Hashtags like #JusticeForSabungeros, #ExposeTheTruth, and #PCSOSpeakNow began trending shortly after Reyes’ press conference.

Some netizens demanded a lifestyle check on the chairman and his close associates, while others called on President Marcos Jr. to take a firmer stand.

Will the Truth Ever Be Known?

As the blame game intensifies and more names are dragged into the mess, one thing remains unchanged — 34 families are still without closure. No bodies have been officially identified, no suspects convicted, and no clear leads made public.

Chairman Reyes continues to assert his innocence. Patidongan insists he’s telling the truth.

So who is lying? Who is protecting who? And how deep does the rabbit hole go?

Final Thoughts

The disappearance of the sabungeros has become more than just a crime story — it’s now a symbol of a broken system, where power, silence, and fear collide.

Whether Chairman Felix Reyes is guilty or simply a scapegoat in a much larger conspiracy, only time — and truth — will reveal.

For now, the public waits.

And the sabungeros? They remain missing.