Coast Guard Explains Search Methods in Taal Lake
MANILA, Philippines — The Coast Guard is considering deploying underwater drones first before sending divers in the search for the missing sabungeros in Taal Lake. This approach aims to ensure safety and efficiency during the ongoing search operations.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a Navy SEAL and spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, explained that using underwater drones is the typical procedure rescue teams follow. “Before sending the diver, we could send underwater drones to check on the safety,” he said during a regular press briefing.
Underwater Drones to Lead Search Efforts
Trinidad added that underwater objects could be retrieved without the need for divers. “The moment we find what we have to recover, whether it’s an object or a cadaver, we could attach the connecting points to them and lift them up without sending any divers,” he noted.
He emphasized that sending technical divers is the last option after all other safer methods have been exhausted.
Technical Diving Teams Prepare for Possible Deployment
The technical diving team typically includes two divers, one standby diver, and a diving supervisor. According to Trinidad, three technical teams usually rotate during such missions to maintain operational readiness and safety.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla mentioned that the Department of Justice is considering involving the technical divers from the Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard. This is part of efforts to verify claims made by an alias “Totoy,” who alleged in an exclusive interview that 34 missing cockfighters are buried in Taal Lake.
Pending Official Request from DOJ
Trinidad clarified that, so far, the Navy has not received an official request for assistance from the Department of Justice. Once approved, divers from the Naval Special Operations Group, an elite Navy unit, will be deployed to assist in the search.
“They can be dispatched anytime, anywhere, anyplace,” he said, underscoring the readiness of the special operations divers.
Challenges and Precautions in the Search for Missing Sabungeros
Search operations in Taal Lake face unique challenges due to the lake’s underwater terrain and safety risks. The Coast Guard’s plan to utilize advanced technology like underwater drones reflects their commitment to minimizing risks to personnel while maximizing the chances of locating the missing sabungeros.
Local leaders and rescue teams continue coordinating efforts as they await formal requests and further instructions to intensify the search mission.
For more news and updates on the search for missing sabungeros, visit Filipinokami.com.