Lagon denies hand in missing 'sabungeros'
Published Jul 16, 2025 05:32 pm
CEBU CITY – Ako Bisaya party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon denied accusations that he was involved in the disappearance of a group of cockfighting enthusiasts.
The Cebuano lawmaker said claims by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan that he was part of the so-called “Alpha” were “baseless and malicious.”
Patidongan said Lagon was part of the group that plotted to eliminate “sabungeros” suspected of cheating or pirating bets.
In a statement, Lagon said Patidongan’s accusations linking him to the disappearance of the sabungeros were “utterly absurd, misleading, and defamatory.”
Lagon said he has been a legitimate gamefowl breeder since 1998 and that his participation in e-sabong or online cockfighting was limited to legal operations under Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
“There was absolutely no meeting, no vote, and no discussion regarding any act of violence against any person,” he said.
Lagon cried foul over the whistleblower’s remarks “’yung congressman na iligalista” saying his involvement in e-sabong was conducted legally and in accordance with national regulations.
He said Patidongan’s latest allegations contradicted his previous statement that no congressman or senator was involved in the disappearance of sabungeros.
Lagon added that Patindongan’s remarks harmed his reputation.
The lawmaker’s wife, Daphne, serves as representative of the sixth district of Cebu province, while their twin sons, Dason Larenz and Dason Lorenz, were elected last May as provincial board members representing the sixth and third districts, respectively.