MANILA, Philippines – July 2025
PH Navy diver teams are prepared to assist in the search for the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) who were reportedly thrown into Taal Lake.
The Philippine Navy (PN) has confirmed that they are ready to deploy specially trained divers from their Naval Special Operations Command to help recover the remains of the missing individuals.
Navy Diver Teams Await Official Request
According to Capt. John Percie Alcos, spokesperson for the PH Navy, the diver teams can be dispatched anytime, and they have the capability to handle technical diving operations in challenging conditions.
He mentioned that the Navy is waiting for an official request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) before proceeding with the mission.
The PH Navy can send up to three four-man teams for the diving operation, with each team composed of highly trained divers. These Navy divers are capable of performing complex tasks, including deep-water retrievals, and are often called upon for technical diving operations across the country.
The Disappearance of the Sabungeros
The missing sabungeros case has drawn significant attention after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, revealed that a syndicate controlling the cockfighting industry had ordered the disappearances.
Patidongan claims that the Alpha group, consisting of 20 businessmen and investors, was responsible for the disappearances of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022. The victims are believed to have been punished for cheating during cockfighting games.
Role of PH Navy Diver Teams in the Investigation
The PH Navy diver team’s involvement in the search marks a critical step in the investigation, with the hope that their expertise will lead to the recovery of the missing individuals’ remains.
While Taal Lake remains the primary search area, authorities are also keeping an open mind about other possible locations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The PH Navy diver teams, along with the Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies, are working together to uncover the truth behind the missing sabungeros. The Navy’s specialized diving units are ready to assist in this important mission as soon as the official request is received.
References:
- PH Navy willing to deploy divers for ‘sabungero’ search.
- INQToday: Navy on missing sabungeros’ search: Drones first, divers a last resort.
Maria Theresa Mondragon, better known online as Antie Marites, is a 33-year-old Filipina content creator who’s turning “chismis” into credible news and meaningful conversation.
With a knack for storytelling and a passion for public service updates, Antie Marites creates relatable, informative, and bite-sized news content for the digital Pinoy. Whether it’s trending headlines, government announcements, or everyday life in the Philippines, she breaks it down in a way that’s clear, fun, and easy to understand—no filter, no fake news.
She’s the tita who sips her kape while scrolling DBM updates and turns it into your next viral TikTok.She’s also your go-to source for “real talk sa real-time news.”
Follow her journey and daily chika on:
📲 Facebook: OMGMarites
📱 TikTok: @omgmarites2025