Philippine News Agency
Kin of missing ‘sabungeros’ welcome search for remains in Taal Lake
Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) began their search for the remains of missing sabungeros in Taal Lake on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
The search was initiated following a request from Department of Justice (DOJ) chief Jesus Crispin Remulla and the testimony of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who claims the missing individuals were killed and dumped into the lake.
A total of 33 technical divers are being deployed by the PCG, supported by remotely operated and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Families of the missing sabungeros expressed gratitude for the government's coordinated efforts to find their loved ones, with some hoping for the recovery of bodies.
The search is expected to be challenging due to the lake's conditions and the volcano's active status.
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Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are continuing underwater search operations in Taal Lake for 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts.
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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) stated that the remains of missing cockfight enthusiasts could still be retrieved from Taal Lake if their bodies were indeed disposed of there.
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