Directed by Bryan Brazil, this documentary explores the dark side of the burgeoning online sabong industry.

GMA Public Affairs is renowned for its acclaimed documentaries, and it takes a bold step forward by presenting its first-ever investigative documentary film, “Lost Sabungeros.” Slated for premiere during the prestigious Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in August 2024, the film is directed by Bryan Brazil and focuses on a troubling trend that has gripped the nation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As cockfighting arenas shuttered due to health restrictions, an age-old Filipino gambling tradition quickly pivoted to an online format. What began as a means for enthusiasts to continue their passion evolved into a lucrative venture, generating millionaires almost overnight. However, this digital shift has also unveiled a more sinister narrative—over 30 sabungeros have vanished without a trace in various incidents from 2021 onward.

“Lost Sabungeros” delves into the lives of those impacted by this turmoil, documenting individual stories that highlight not only the thrill of cockfighting but also the devastating consequences faced by families left grappling with loss and uncertainty. The film chronicles three major abduction cases from popular arenas, alongside chilling incidents occurring within homes and on roads.

One of them is a father who has been a longtime sabungero. He has built his empire around cockfighting. Little did he know that the world he has been living in would cost him the life of his son, who was a driver for cockfighters.

Meanwhile, a woman watches as her partner, an e-sabong agent earning millions, gets snatched away right in front of her.

The team behind the docu-film also meets another woman whose brother works as a gaffer in a cockfighting arena. One day, her brother disappears with no trace. She later discovers her brother’s belongings inside an abandoned van.

“Lost Sabungeros” is one of the most dangerous and courageous investigative documentaries that GMA Public Affairs has produced to date. Reports of unidentified individuals observing the team and case studies during filming have surfaced. The families of the missing sabungeros are understandably cautious, expressing concerns for their safety and the potential risk of being targeted for abduction.

Despite these perils, they still choose to come forward, disregarding potential threats and peril. They want to uncover the truth behind the disappearances of their loved ones in what has been described as a “perfect crime” by no less than a Philippine Senator.

“Hindi naging madali ang proseso sa pagbuo ng dokumentaryo dahil ilang taon din sinundan ng team ang mga karakter sa kanilang paghahanap sa kanilang mahal sa buhay. Para sa akin, mahalagang mapanood ito ng ating kababayan dahil hindi lang ito kuwento ng mga sabungero, pinapakita rin nito ang matagal ng problema ng ating bansa, ang kawalang hustisya o culture of impunity na kalimitang binibiktima ang mahihirap at walang boses. (The process of creating the documentary was not easy, the team spent several years following the characters in their search for their loved ones. In my view, it is crucial for our fellow citizens to watch the film, as it explores not just the story of cockfighters but also exposes the long-standing issues of our country — the lack of justice and the culture of impunity that often victimizes the poor and voiceless.),” Brazil said.

Brazil is a homegrown GMA Public Affairs executive producer and director who has already won in the New York Festivals for his work in “The Atom Araullo Specials,” “Stand For Truth,” and “Brigada.” He also directed the EBS International Documentary Festival Winner “My Little Dancing Shoes,” which won the Tokyo Doc’s ‘Colours of Asia 2018’ Award.

The highlight of “Lost Sabungeros” is the three whistleblowers who came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros.

Produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, “Lost Sabungeros” will premiere at the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on August 8, 5 PM, at Ayala Mall Manila Bay Cinema 2.

To know more about GMA Pictures, visit www.gmanetwork.com/films. Get the latest on GMA Public Affairs via https://www.facebook.com/gmapublicaffairs/.