The Daily Tribune
PCG denies planting evidence in Taal Lake dive ops
Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are continuing underwater search operations in Taal Lake for 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts.
Five sacks have been retrieved, with two containing apparent human bones, one with charred remains, and two others filled with stones.
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab firmly denied allegations of evidence planting, stating the operation is formal and coordinated.
The retrieved sacks were found near the central diving zone of the lake.
The operation is being conducted in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A whistleblower alleged that police officers, businessman Atong Ang, and actress Gretchen Barretto are implicated in the abductions and killings.
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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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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search for missing sabungeros in Taal Lake.
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Divers retrieved two more sacks believed to contain human bones from Taal Lake, Batangas, bringing the total to five sacks recovered.
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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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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that two of the four sacks recovered from Taal Lake by the Philippine Coast Guard contained human remains, specifically ribs.
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