Search for Missing Sabungeros May Start This Week
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday that the search for the missing sabungeros—cockfighting enthusiasts reportedly thrown into Taal Lake—could begin within this week. The exact four word keyphrase “missing sabungeros in Taal” highlights the critical issue at hand.
Remulla emphasized the need for technical divers to verify claims made by an informant named Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy.” According to sources, the missing sabungeros are allegedly deceased and buried beneath the lake’s surface in Batangas.
Planning and Coordination for the Search
“We’re asking them to start this week,” Remulla said during a chance interview when asked about the timing of the operation. “Our basic plan is, we want to map it out and look at the condition so we can plan how to go about it.”
Although he did not specify who was tasked with the search, local leaders noted that the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy are expected to assist in the diving operations. The coordination aims to ensure a thorough and safe search process.
Seeking International Assistance
Remulla also shared that a request for support was sent to Japan last week, but no response has been received so far. This international aid could provide additional resources or expertise for the complex underwater search.
Starting Point and Possible Outcomes
The search will reportedly begin near a fishpond leased by one of the suspects, which is considered the most probable location of the missing sabungeros. While there is a chance that the victims may not be in the lake, officials believe the clues pointing to this site hold considerable accuracy.
“We think that the clues that we got regarding the site may be accurate in many ways,” Remulla said, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining hopeful about the search’s success.
For more news and updates on missing sabungeros in Taal, visit Filipinokami.com.