Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon took to Facebook on late Tuesday night, July 15 to deny any involvement in the missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts) issue.

This, as he dismissed whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan’s claims about him as "not only false, but also utterly absurd, misleading, and defamatory."

"I strongly and categorically deny the baseless and malicious allegations made by Dondon Patidongan implicating me in the so-called meeting of 'Group A' involving Mr. Atong Ang and the issue on the missing sabungeros," Lagon wrote in his post.

"I take strong exception to Dondon's characterization of me by stating, 'Yan yung congressman na iligalista (That’s the iligalista congressman)," the party-list solon said.

"His allegation contradicts the fact that e-sabong is regulated by Pagcor (and the company is operating under a duly issued license)," Lagon said.

Moreover, Lagon pointed out that Patidongan's recent statement "runs counter to his previous interview saying that no congressman or senator is involved in the issue of the missing sabungeros".

"Such irresponsible statements damage my reputation without regard for truth or evidence," he said.

"I am a duly elected representative of Ako Bisaya Party-list, faithfully serving the Filipino people and advocating for the interests of the Bisaya. I have always upheld the rule of law and have never engaged in any illegal enterprise or conduct unbecoming of a public official," he underscored.

Lagon says he has been a legitimate and law-abiding gamefowl breeder since 1998. It was his dedication to the sport that led him to become a multi-awarded breeder in the early 2000s, he said.

"I was invited to participate in the Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. This company was granted e-sabong operations license by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), authorizing it to operate gaming-related activities, including internet-based betting and recreational sports, all in accordance with national regulations."

According to Lagon, his involvement in e-sabong has always been limited to what is legal.

"There was absolutely no meeting, no vote, and no discussion regarding any act of violence against any person. Any insinuation that I was part of such a conspiracy is a gross misrepresentation of who I am—as a public servant, as a breeder, and as a law-abiding citizen," he said.

"I reject and condemn any form of violence or illegal activity. To be accused of such a heinous and unthinkable act is deeply offensive, not only to me and my family but to the entire sabong community who respect the rules of the sport and the sanctity of life," he further said.

Patidongan, who also went by the moniker of "Totoy", revealed that the missing sabungeros totalled more than 100, and that they were abducted, killed, and dumped at Taal Lake.

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