THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched underwater search operations in Taal Lake to locate the bodies of 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), believed to have been dumped in the lake.
Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of PCG District Southern Tagalog, said a staging area, command post, and aerial drones have been set up to support the technical dives. Eleven divers have already arrived, with a total of 33 expected to join the search.
Tuvilla, who is overseeing the entire operation, emphasized the focus on personnel safety and environmental factors. He said the mission aims to validate leads suggesting that the victims’ bodies were disposed of in the lake.
The search follows a formal request from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the deployment of PCG’s specialized units to support the ongoing investigation. The operation is being conducted in coordination with the DOJ and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In June, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, claimed the victims were strangled using tie wires and dumped into Taal Lake. He is one of six security guards accused in the high-profile disappearance case. (PNA)
