Philstar
‘Bones of sabungeros can still be recovered’
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.
Science Secretary Renato Solidum explained that bones do not decompose, unlike flesh, and can be preserved in low-oxygen environments found in the lake's depths.
If the bodies were in shallow water, oxidation could lead to flesh decomposition.
Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as "Totoy," claimed that the kidnapped sabungeros were strangled with wire, their bodies tied with sandbags, and then submerged in Taal Lake.
Patidongan accused gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang of orchestrating the disappearances and deaths of over 100 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022, alleging they cheated in cockfight games.
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Relatives of 34 missing cockfight aficionados visited the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking an update on the investigation.
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Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) began their search for the remains of missing sabungeros in Taal Lake on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
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A whistleblower, identifying himself as "Totoy" and former aide of businessman Atong Ang, Julie Patidongan, is hopeful that the remains of missing "sabungeros" will be found soon as authorities commence search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake.
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Malacañang has called for a deeper investigation into the reported disappearance of individuals linked to online and illegal cockfighting.
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Sales of tawilis, a fish endemic to Taal Lake, have dropped due to rumors that missing "sabungeros" (cockfight watchers) were killed and their bodies disposed of in the lake.
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