Lagon denies hand in disappearance of ‘sabungeros’

Local

CEBUANO lawmaker Sonny Lagon of Ako Bisaya Partylist denied allegations linking him to the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, following claims by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan that he is part of the so-called “Alpha” group allegedly behind illegal e-sabong operations.

Patidongan accused the group of plotting to eliminate sabungeros suspected of cheating or pirating bets, and identified Lagon as one of those present in a meeting where the alleged plan was discussed defamatory.

In a statement released, Lagon dismissed the accusations as “baseless and malicious,” saying they were “utterly absurd, misleading, and defamatory.”

He emphasized that he has been a legitimate gamefowl breeder since 1998 and that his participation in e-sabong was limited to legal operations under Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., which was licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

“There was absolutely no meeting, no vote, and no discussion regarding any act of violence against any person,” he said, denting taking part in any meeting involving criminal activities.

Lagon rejected the label “’yung congressman na iligalista,” or the congressman involved in illegal activities, saying his involvement in e-sabong was conducted legally and in accordance with national regulations.

He pointed out that Patidongan’s latest allegations contradicted the latter’s earlier statement that no congressman or senator was involved in the disappearance of sabungeros.

He maintained that such remarks had caused harm to his reputation despite lacking truth or supporting evidence.

Lagon’s wife, Daphne, serves as the congresswoman for Cebu’s 6th District, while their twin sons, Dason Larenz and Dason Lorenz, were both elected in 2025 as Cebu Provincial Board members, representing the 6th and 3rd Districts, respectively.

Allegation

In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Patidongan, also known as “Totoy”, alleged that Lagon was part of the “Alpha” group said to be earning massive shares from online gambling.

He alleged that members of the group were earning monthly shares ranging from P90 million to as high as P800 million, depending on their cut.

Patidongan also accused Lagon of being present at a meeting where the group, reportedly led by Atong Ang, decided to target sabungeros who were cheating or diverting profits.

He recalled Ang warning the group that if action was not taken, their business would collapse. The decision, Patidongan said, was made in a single meeting and was quickly set into motion.

Missing sabungeros

At least 34 individuals connected to licensed e-sabong platforms went missing between 2021 and 2022, with many last seen in cockpits or while working for online operators.

The disappearances, some caught on CCTV, remain unsolved despite ongoing investigations by the police and NBI.

The cases led to a Senate probe and prompted then-president Rodrigo Duterte to suspend all e-sabong operations in May 2022, citing the social impact of gambling and the unresolved abductions.(MyTVCebu)