Search Underway for 34 Missing Gambers in Philippines Amid Gruesome Claims

Philippine authorities are intensifying their search for 34 missing men believed to have been murdered over allegations of cheating in livestreamed cockfights, a gambling practice that surged during the COVID pandemic. The search is focused on Taal Lake, where it is suspected that their bodies were disposed of by a group of six security guards, according to local reports from Philstar. The men reportedly disappeared between April 2021 and January 2022, with at least ten last seen at the Manila Arena, where the guards operated. A suspect, using the alias "Totoy," claimed in a recent interview that the group strangled the men before dumping them in the lake. He suggested that the search could uncover over 100 victims, including other individuals outside the gambling community, prompting further investigations into the case. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla confirmed plans to deploy divers to Taal Lake to assist in recovering human remains. The Philippine Navy has expressed readiness to participate in the operation as the authorities seek additional witnesses to corroborate the shocking allegations.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link on March 14, 2025, following his arrest in Manila related to charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial "war on drugs" campaign. The hearing served to formally inform Duterte of the charges, although he did not physically attend due to having just arrived from a long flight, as noted by presiding judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc. Duterte's attorney, Salvador Medialdea, described the former leader's arrest as an "extrajudicial rendition" and accused the Philippine government of undermining its sovereignty by complying with the ICC arrest warrant. His lawyer also claimed Duterte was facing significant health issues. A key pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 23, which will determine whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial. If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The situation unfolds amid increasing tensions within the Philippine political arena, especially between the Duterte and Marcos families, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. navigates a complex political landscape.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at Manila airport for alleged "crimes against humanity." The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the arrest warrant due to Duterte's controversial war on drugs during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings. The ICC began investigating Duterte's administration's policy in 2019, citing violations concerning human rights. Duterte's narcotics crackdown has drawn severe criticism from various human rights organizations, which have accused his government of promoting a culture of violence. As a result, thousands of deaths associated with the campaign have been recorded. The arrest marks a significant development in a long-standing legal battle surrounding accountability for alleged atrocities committed under his regime. Following his arrest, Duterte and his legal representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding the charges. The situation continues to evolve as international attention is drawn to the implications of his arrest for justice in the Philippines.