MANILA, Philippines – July 2025
Taal Lake dive for the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) is set to begin this week, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
The search comes after Julie “Dondon” Patidongan (alias Totoy) claimed that the missing individuals are already dead and their bodies were dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.
The Search Plan and Resources
Remulla confirmed that technical divers would be needed to verify these claims. “We’re asking them to start this week,” he said in a chance interview.
The primary goal is to map out the area and assess the conditions of Taal Lake before diving operations begin.
The search is expected to focus on a fishpond lease held by one of the suspects, which is believed to be the starting point, or ground zero, for the dive. Remulla plans to enlist help from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Navy to assist with the search operation.
Awaiting Japan’s Response for Assistance
However, Remulla also noted that the request for assistance from Japan has not yet been responded to, as the request was sent only last week.
Despite this, he remains hopeful that the search will yield results, although he acknowledged the possibility that the missing sabungeros might not be in Taal Lake. “We think the clues we’ve gathered may be accurate in many ways,” Remulla added.
Searching for Closure
The Taal Lake dive marks a critical step in the investigation into the disappearance of the cockfighting aficionados, and authorities are hopeful that the search will lead to new developments.
Conclusion
The Taal Lake dive is expected to begin within the week, and efforts are being made to ensure the proper resources, such as the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy, are in place.
Justice Secretary Remulla is leading the charge in verifying the claims and hopes the investigation will provide closure on the mystery of the missing sabungeros.
References:
- Remulla: Search for missing sabungeros in Taal Lake may begin this week.
- DOJ ‘not giving up’ on missing sabungeros: Remulla.
- 15 pulis na hinihinalang sangkot sa kaso ng nawawalang mga sabungero, tukoy na — SOJ Remulla.
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