Navy readies to retrieve sabungero remains from Taal Lake

The Philippine Navy stands ready to assist in retrieving the remains of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, who are believed to have been dumped in Taal Lake.

Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) is prepared for deployment once the Department of Justice (DOJ) officially requests their assistance.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that technical dive operations could begin this week, involving mapping the area and scheduling subsequent dives.

Each of the three planned diving teams consists of four personnel: two divers, one standby diver, and one diving supervisor, with equipment from Japan potentially being used for the operation.

The investigation also considers charges of murder and violations of international humanitarian law, as alleged by Julie Patidongan, who claimed that businessman Atong Ang was involved in disposing victims at a fishpond site.