PNP Searches Beyond Taal Lake for Missing Sabungeros
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively investigating multiple locations, not just Taal Lake in Batangas, in the search for the 34 missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, a top police official confirmed.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III addressed the families’ urgent appeals to conduct diving operations in Taal Lake, revealing that authorities are also considering other possible disposal sites. “We are examining other areas aside from Taal Lake where the bodies might have been disposed of,” he said.
Secrecy Surrounds Identification of Other Sites
While Gen. Torre refrained from disclosing the exact locations, he explained that witnesses who have come forward have identified these other sites. “We keep these locations confidential to prevent perpetrators from retrieving the bodies,” he emphasized.
According to testimonies, some victims were burned, while others were buried. The PNP aims to verify these claims once they recover the remains. This multifaceted approach reflects the complexity of the investigation and the ongoing efforts to bring closure to the families.
Whistleblower’s Revelations and Police Involvement
The investigation gained momentum after a whistleblower, known as alias “Totoy” or Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of the six security guards accused of abducting the sabungeros, disclosed details about the victims’ fate. Patidongan revealed that the missing men were strangled with tie wire before being dumped into Taal Lake.
Last June, Patidongan provided these chilling details, deepening the probe into the case. The disturbing accounts have prompted authorities to intensify their search efforts in and beyond the lake.
Police Officers Under Investigation
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla recently announced that 15 police officers are now under investigation for their alleged connection to the case. These officers have been placed on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices, effectively barring them from participating in active operations.
Gen. Torre confirmed that these officers remain under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City. The PNP continues to cooperate with the justice department to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
For more news and updates on the missing sabungeros case, visit Filipinokami.com.