PCG deploys ROV to search for missing sabungeros in Taal Lake

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on Tuesday morning to test its capability in the murky waters of Taal Lake during the fifth day of searching for missing sabungeros.

Since July 10, five sacks with suspected bones have been recovered from the lake following intelligence information provided by a whistleblower who claimed the bodies were dumped there.

Captain Noemie Cayabyab highlighted that zero-visibility underwater and the vastness of the lake pose significant challenges to search operations; on Tuesday, the ROV was deployed but detected a suspicious object during its initial descent at around 7 a.m.

A technical diver attempted to retrieve the object but could not locate it due to poor visibility as the ROV's propeller stirred debris. Heavy rains and strong winds also affected the search efforts.

The ROV has been deployed three times, reaching a depth of 52 feet and covering an area of about 20 meters within Laurel, Batangas, where remains were allegedly dumped.

DNA samples from 12 relatives of the missing sabungeros have been secured by police, while authorities estimate that searching the entire lake could take another six months.

Whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan accused gaming tycoon Charlie 'Atong' Ang as the mastermind behind the abduction and dumping of the remains in Taal Lake, an allegation he denied.

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