The UP Film Institute (UPFI) of the UP Diliman Film Center recently screened the GMA Public Affairs Division documentary film Lost Sabungeros.

The film looked into the disappearances of sabungeros (cockfighters) during the pandemic lockdown and those related to them by interviewing the victims’ families, two whistleblowers, and government officials handling the case. It also examined the connection between the disappearances to some prominent citizens and people in authority.

The production team stated that cockfighting in the country during the pandemic lockdown moved online which resulted in some violent consequences “as over 30 sabungeros were mysteriously abducted.”

“Hindi ko po mundo ang sabong pero ramdam ko ang pain at agony ng mga kapamilya ng mga biktima,” said Bryan Kristoffer J. Brazil, film director, during the talkback after the second day screening. GMA broadcast journalist Howie Severino moderated the talkback.

“Hangad namin na matulungan ang mga pamilyang ito na naghahanap ng hustisya, lalo na iyong mga inaatake sa social media na mga kapamilya ng mga nawawalang sabungero na nakasama sa docu-film na ito,” Brazil added.

The victims’ relatives in the talkback were grateful to the production team for helping them with their case.

“Mabuti at may mga taong tulad ninyo na handang tumulong alamin ang mga sagot sa mga misteryosong pagkawala. Nagkaroon kami ng pag-asa na kung hindi man makita ang mga kamag-anak namin ay mapanagot ang mga kay kasalanan sa pagkawala nila,” one of the relatives said.

Lost Sabungeros was produced by Joselito Chang Tan; written by Lee Joseph M. Castel, Mary Zeliet Paris, and Mark Roland Romas; and edited by Eman Payumo. Marco Felipe Lopez is director of photography.

Lost Sabungeros was shown at the UPFI Film Center from Nov. 28 to 29.