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"Lost Sabungeros," the first-ever investigative documentary film of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, had quite the journey to the big screen as it sought to take Filipinos up close and personal with one of the biggest scandals in the Philippines.
The production itself was fraught with challenges. The team had to earn the trust of the victims’ families, all while navigating the risks involved in interviewing whistleblowers.
Initially set to premiere at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in August, the film faced an unexpected setback. Just days before its screening, the festival committee abruptly canceled its showing, citing unspecified "security concerns." To this day, the nature of these concerns remains undisclosed.
The public aptly dubbed it “the most controversial documentary film of 2024.”
The sudden cancellation sparked a wave of disappointment online– with many calling for the documentary to be shown to the public.
Finally, after months of anticipation, “Lost Sabungeros” is set to premiere on Saturday, November 9, at the QCinema International Film Festival.
The documentary investigates a chilling mystery that unfolded between April 2021 and January 2022, when 34 cockfighters—or sabungeros—from different parts of the Philippines vanished without a trace.
Among the missing are Ricardo “Jon Jon” Lasco, a 48-year-old rooster breeder and online sabong agent, who was forcibly taken from his home in Laguna by armed men in 2021; Edgar Malaca, who disappeared after attending a cockfight in Batangas in 2022; and John Claude Inonog, a player who went missing while traveling to an event at the Manila Arena.
Despite extensive media coverage, investigations by the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation, as well as hearings that reached the Philippine Senate, not a single sabungero has been found.
Families have filed cases only to withdraw them later, leaving a trail of unanswered questions.
Was it debt? Were there personal vendettas? Or is there a powerful mastermind behind these disappearances? The mystery remains one of the largest unsolved cases in recent Philippine history, and "Lost Sabungeros" seeks to uncover the truth.
The film follows the cases of Lasco, Malaca, and Inonog, documenting their families' relentless search for answers. As they continue their quest, they, along with the public, are left to wonder—and hope—if their loved ones are still alive.
'Lost Sabungeros' - Full Trailer
The journey of “Lost Sabungeros” began in 2022, during the peak of media coverage on the missing sabungeros case. The story had already captivated the nation, fueled by a series of investigative reports from “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho”.
Given the gravity of the case and its ongoing developments, the team decided it was a compelling subject to transform into a full-length documentary film.
The filmmakers sifted through TV footage, blending it with new material from the recent developments to craft a unique cinematic narrative. The film aims to provide a comprehensive look at the ongoing search for the missing men and the relentless fight for justice by their families.
Award-winning documentarist and director of “Lost Sabungeros”, Bryan Brazil, describes the years-long process as “Hindi madali.” [“Not easy.”]
“Usually, ang mga characters natin sa documentary, sinusundan natin sila, kumikita ng pera, o kaya naghahanap ng kabuhayan, o may binebenta na kalakal,” Brazil explained. “Pero this time, naghahanap sila ng kamag-anakan nila, na hindi nila alam kung nasaan.”
[“Usually, in documentaries, we follow people making a living, searching for jobs or selling goods. But this time, we followed families searching for loved ones whose whereabouts are unknown.”]
“Actually, ‘yun ‘yung challenge,” he continued. “Kahit kami rin, nangangapa kung saan ba ‘to pupunta? Sa’n ba ‘to matatapos?”
[“That was the real challenge. Even we were left in the dark, unsure where the investigation would lead or how it would conclude.”]
Producer Tolits Tan tells GMA News Online, “Marami pa kaming na-discover du’n sa mga in-interview namin.”
“May mga whistleblowers kaming na-interview. So meron silang mga isiniwalat kung saan posibleng napunta or kung ano ‘yung kahihinatnan ng nawawalang mahigit tatlumpung sabungero,” he adds.
[“We uncovered so much from our interviews. We spoke with whistleblowers who provided information about the whereabouts of the over 30 missing cockfighters.”]
Early on, the team faced significant challenges, particularly gaining the trust of the victims' families.
“Maliliit na tao lang ito eh na nangangamba siyempre sa kanilang security,” Tan explained. “So kami bilang mga producers na sumubaybay sa kuwento nila, nag-shoot, at bumuntot du’n sa pinupuntahan nilang Senate hearings, mga prayer vigils for the past two years, medyo nangangamba rin actually sa security din namin.”
[“These are ordinary people concerned for their safety. As producers following their stories, attending Senate hearings, and prayer vigils over the past two years, we also felt the weight of these security concerns.”]
Tan recalled moments when their subjects felt they were being watched. “Pakiramdam nila may nagmamanman sa kanila. May times na nagshu-shoot kami, ‘yung mga case studies namin kinakabahan kasi feeling nila baka mamaya, pinagtitiktikan na sila. Siyempre kasama nila kami sa journey ng paghahanap ng missing relatives nila. So pati kami siyempre, nangangamba sa safety namin.”
[“There were times during filming when our interviewees were visibly anxious, worried that someone might be spying on them. Since we were accompanying them in their search for missing relatives, we, too, feared for our safety.”]
The producer noted that the team’s apprehension stemmed from the topic’s complex and political nature. However, these risks only reinforced their commitment to their mission as journalists and storytellers.
“Parang part kasi ng trabaho ng mga journalists ‘yung major threat. It’s a matter of paano natin mas maingat itong gagawin,” Tan said. “Nu’ng time na pinagkatiwala sa amin ng mga case studies ang mga kwento nila, doon pa lang na-remind kami ano ba ‘yung purpose namin ba’t kami nasa industriya–’yung makapagkuwento at makatulong sa mga tao. ‘Yun naman ‘yung core ng GMA Public Affairs ‘di ba: ‘yung makagawa ng mga dekalibreng kuwento and hopefully ‘yung mga kuwento na ito, makapagbabago ng buhay.”
[“Facing threats is part of a journalist’s work. It’s about how we navigate these risks carefully. When the families entrusted their stories to us, we were reminded of our purpose in the industry—to tell impactful stories that can help people. That’s the core of GMA Public Affairs: to create meaningful narratives that can change lives.”]
“May threat, yes. May takot, yes,” he admitted. “Pero at the end of the day, kailangan namin gampanan ‘yung tungkulin namin na maging instrumento at maging boses nila para magkaroon ng awareness ‘yung tao dun sa pinagdadaanan nila and ‘yung search nila for justice,” he added.
[“Yes, there were threats and fears. But at the end of the day, it is our responsibility to be their voice, to raise awareness about their plight and their search for justice.”]
'KMJS': Nasa 30 sabungero, bakit sunod-sunod na biglang nawala?
“Lost Sabungeros” offers viewers a glimpse into the harsh reality of pursuing justice in the Philippines.
Brazil recalls witnessing the families’ initial hope and vigor slowly diminish as time passed and their search continued.
“Nakikita namin ‘yung mga effort nila. Kumakausap sila ng mga pulis, kumakausap sila ng mga authorities. Masigasig silang pumunta sa DOJ. Pero habang tumatagal, ako, nakita ko personally ‘yung iba sa kanila nawawalan na ng pag-asa kasi nga dalawang taon—iba more than two years na—‘yung paghihintay nila, paghahanap nila… Parang alam nila sa sarili nila na ‘Ah, wala naman ‘tong patutunguhan. ‘Mag-move on na tayo’.’”
[“We saw all their efforts—they tried talking to the police, the authorities, and even went to the DOJ. But as the days went on, I personally noticed how they slowly started to lose hope. They’ve been waiting and searching for over two years, some even longer. It seemed like they were starting to accept, ‘This isn’t going anywhere. We should move on.’]
In 2022, the Senate conducted hearings to investigate the cases, but it ended several months later with more uncertainty for the families.
“Nag-end ‘yung Senate hearing, na parang floating ulit ‘no? Parang walang nangyari. Yes, nagpatawag ng hearing, inimbita sa Senate investigation ‘yung mga taong involved. Pero at the end of the day, parang wala rin namang nangyari,” Tan said.
[“When the Senate hearings ended, it felt like nothing had really changed. Although there were hearings and individuals believed to be involved were invited to the investigation, it seemed like no significant progress was made."]
Brazil emphasized that this is one of the central issues the film aims to highlight: “‘Yung usapin na ito na naman ay panibagong kaso na naman ng kawalang hustisya, impunity sa bansa.”
[“This film underscores another case of impunity, another example of the lack of justice in our country.”]
“Lost Sabungeros” seeks to present the unsettling truth of how such a mysterious and scandalous series of events could unfold in real life. The docu-film also serves as a stark reminder that unsolved cases, like those of the missing sabungeros, still exist.
Brazil reflected, “I think mas lumulutang ‘yung beauty ng documentary doon kasi nga mas straightforward siyang na-do-document. Straightforward siyang dapat nakikita ng tao na hindi dapat nakakalimutan. Kaya dapat, the more siyang napapag-usapan, the more siyang na-do-document kasi mauuwi na naman ito sa pagbaon sa limot.”
[“The beauty of this documentary lies in how straightforward it is. It presents the truth as it is, and it's crucial that we don't forget. We need to keep talking about it and continue documenting, or else it might be buried once more.”]
For Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” is more than just a story about the missing cockfighters and their families.
“Kuwento natin ito as a country,” he said. “It reflects our justice system, mga institution natin kung nag-wo-work ba talaga sila sa bansa natin.”
[“This is a story about our country. It reflects our justice system, our institutions. Are they truly serving the best interests of our nation?”]
He contemplated the responsibility it placed on him as a journalist. “Dapat mas aggressive tayo,” he noted. “’Pag hindi natin ‘to dinocument, o hindi natin ‘to sinundan, magiging kathang isip na lang ‘to sa bandang dulo.”
[“As journalists, we had to be aggressive. If we don’t document and follow through with this case, people might end up thinking it was all just a figment of their imagination.”]
He adds, “’Pag ‘di natin siya dinocument or tinutukan, parang disservice siya dun sa profession natin eh. ‘Di natin nagawa ‘yung part natin dun sa propesyon or craft or art form. Tinulungan pa natin kalimutan ‘to ng mga taong may intention talaga.”
[“If we don’t do this, it feels like a disservice to our profession—like we haven’t fulfilled our responsibility. Without proper documentation, it might even appear as though we’re helping those who want people to forget.”]
Brazil believes that “Lost Sabungeros” stands as proof of what happened: Between April 2021 and January 2022, 34 sabungeros vanished.
Brazil shared a goal he had in mind for “Lost Sabungeros”: When viewers leave the cinema, he wants them to leave more informed and aware.
“Ang goal is, kailangan mamulat tayo. Ito na naman tayo sa usapin na ito. Nandito pa rin tayo.”
[“The goal is for people to be aware. We are talking about this case again. We are still here.”]
However, an unexpected obstacle came in the form of their film screening and premiere cancellation at Cinemalaya.
Following the cancellation, Brazil admitted to feeling anxious and paranoid, fearing for his safety and often wondering if he was being followed.
In response, the producers organized a security seminar for the core team of “Lost Sabungeros,” sponsored by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), to prepare for any potential threats.
For Tan, it is crucial that the film reaches its audience to remind the public that this issue is still happening. Despite the slim chances of the missing relatives being found, the film aims to reignite the conversation and ultimately seek justice for the victims.
“Hopefully, [ang] goal ng docufilm kapag nag-premiere kami: magkaroon ulit ng ingay, magkaroon ng panibagong galaw sa kaso, and hopefully mas maraming makatuwang na mga NGO, makalampag ‘yung mga government offices kung paano ulit pagbibigyan ang mga kasong ito, na mapag-usapan ulit sa Senado,” he said.
[“Our goal with the film’s premiere is to revive public interest, stir new momentum in the case, and hopefully attract support from more NGOs. We want to prompt government agencies to take another look at these cases and encourage the Senate to revisit and discuss them once more.”]
Though the original screenings of “Lost Sabungeros” were canceled, this unexpected setback turned into an opportunity as the conversation about the missing sabungeros gained renewed momentum.
Filipinos took to social media, calling for a statement from Cinemalaya, expressing hope for future screenings, and resharing news reports about the incident. The Directors' Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) also voiced strong support for the film, advocating for creative freedom and the safety of filmmakers who take on dangerous risks to tell the truth.
The team referenced the Streisand Effect, a phenomenon where attempts to suppress information only bring it more attention.
“After cancellation ng Cinemalaya, siguro na-curious sila, siguro na-bother na rin sila kaya sila nagkaroon ng interest,” Brazil said. He added that they received numerous messages from people expressing their eagerness to watch the film.
[““After the canceled screening at Cinemalaya, I think a lot of people became curious. The cancellation may have unsettled some, sparking even more interest.”]
Brazil found encouragement in the public’s response.
“Nakakatuwa ‘yung mga ganung gestures kasi kahit papaano, nakakatulong siya sa pagbubukas ng mga usapin ng mga pagkawala ng mga sabungero kasi parang nakalimutan na naman siya,” he added.
[“We’re grateful for those kinds of gestures because, in a way, it helped us reopen the conversation about the missing sabungeros.]
Tan said that with the general public’s support, they regained their determination in telling this story.
As for Brazil, he views releasing the film as a step toward seeking justice for those who have been denied it.
He emphasized that the issue goes beyond the film itself.
“Hindi ‘yung pelikula ‘yung kalaban natin dito. Hindi ‘yung mga sabungero mga kalaban natin dito. We have to see and do something, [because] may mali sa sistema natin. ‘Yun dapat ‘yung binabago natin,” the filmmaker said.
[“The film is not the enemy, and neither are the sabungeros. We need to recognize that there is something fundamentally wrong with our system, and that is what we need to change.”]
'KMJS': Bagong CCTV footage, makakapagbigay linaw ba sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero?
After overcoming numerous challenges, “Lost Sabungeros” is finally set for its big-screen premiere on November 9 at QCinema as a special feature film.
In response to overwhelming public demand, the screening has been moved to a larger venue. The film will now be shown at Cinema 11, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City at 8:35 p.m. This screening will also serve as the film’s gala night, followed by a talkback session led by GMA Network journalist Kara David.
Additional screenings are scheduled for November 10 at 5:15 p.m. and November 12 at 1:45 p.m. at the same venue.
As “Lost Sabungeros” makes its debut at the QCinema International Film Festival, the filmmakers' rallying cry is clear: “Walang makapipigil sa katotohanan.” [“Nothing can stop the truth.”]
The team commends QCinema for its support and hopes the film will spark public interest, and ultimately lead to the case being reopened.
Brazil added that although there were delays, the heart and soul of the film remains intact.
It has been a long time coming, but Brazil and Tan believe this is just the beginning of a whole new journey: one rooted in hope.
Ahead of the premiere, Brazil shared his aspirations, “I’m hoping na mas maraming makanood at makita nila ‘yung totoong nangyari sa mga sabungeros na dapat bigyan ng aksyon.”
[“I’m hoping that more people would be able to watch the film, see what’s really happening with the sabungeros and realize that actions need to be taken.”]
The team plans to show the film in microcinemas, and schools have also expressed interest in hosting screenings.
With this, they hope that more people can watch the film and give a voice to the families of the missing sabungeros.
“‘Yun naman ‘yung intention namin eh. Kumbaga, hindi sila malubog, mapakinggan ‘yung mga kwento nila, at makamit nila ‘yung pinapangarap nilang kaliwanagan at hustisya,” Tan said. “We’re talking about more than 30 lives, 30 people, at hindi ‘yun basta basta kumbaga kinakalimutan, so kailangan natin itong pagusapan. Kailangan natin itong tutukan.”
[“That’s really our intention– to ensure these stories are not forgotten, that their voices are heard, and that they receive the justice they’ve been hoping for. We’re talking about over 30 lives, 30 people, and that’s not something that should just fade from memory. We need to keep this conversation going.”]
He added, “[The film is] not about us eh, it’s about the families na mabibigyan ulit ng boses.”
[“The film is not about us; it’s about the families who deserve to be heard.”]
They hope the screenings will spark broader discussions about the missing sabungeros and that the government will listen to the grievances and concerns of the affected families.
Brazil acknowledges that resolving the cases might not happen soon, but he hopes the film can restart the search for answers and help Filipinos understand the deeper issue at hand.
“‘Yung culture of impunity na ‘yan, wala nang katapusan. Paulit-ulit na lang siya, sa iba’t ibang tao na lang nangyayari,” he said.
[“This culture of impunity is never-ending. It keeps happening, just to different people.”]
“Kahit na maging paulit-ulit, hindi kami mapapagod. As a storyteller, [this is a way to] remind our people na this is something serious at kailangan tayo mamulat at maging vocal,” he added. “I’m not looking forward to the biggest solution na mangyari sa mga kaso ng mga sabungeros. I’m looking forward na lang dun sa konting pagsilip ng liwanag sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino and that this is something serious.”
[“Even though the cycle may continue, we won’t tire of fighting for it. As storytellers, this is our way of reminding our people that this is something serious, and we need to open our eyes and speak out. I’m not expecting a grand solution to the cases of the missing sabungeros. What I’m looking forward to is even a small awakening in the Filipino consciousness—an understanding that this is a serious issue that deserves our attention.”] —LA/JCB, GMA Integrated News
