THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denied allegations circulating online that the sacks recovered from Taal Lake in connection with the missing sabungeros were planted.
PCG Southern Tagalog Commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla said the operation was conducted in coordination with forensic experts and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).
“What we are finding here entails DNA, which is why the forensic team and SOCO are here. If we find bones that match the missing persons, we can determine their identity,” Tuvilla said.
He emphasized that diving operations in the area are dangerous and require serious preparation and risk.
“If our commitment to the search were that shallow, we wouldn’t put them in such danger. This is no joke. We pour our heart and mind into this,” he added. “Every time we conduct a dive, half of the diver’s body is exposed to danger. This is no joke, and what we’re doing should not be taken lightly or reduced to mere speculation.”
Earlier, a sack containing suspected bones was retrieved about 10 meters from the shore of Taal Lake, prompting speculation from the public amid the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts.
