Members of the Philippine Coast Guard in an ongoing search on July 11, 2025. PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recovered multiple sacks from the bottom of Taal Lake on Friday (July 11) as part of its full-scale diving operations in the ongoing search for dozens of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) who vanished in 2021. Friday marked the first day of full underwater search efforts following a technical site assessment conducted by PCG and other authorities on Thursday. A team of 30 technical divers has been deployed, according to PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab. “Three teams began their dives as early as 7:45am, targeting high-probability areas identified by the initial survey,” Cayabyab said. Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former security guard at the Manila Arena and now a key suspect turned witness, earlier claimed that the missing men were murdered and dumped into the lake on orders of gaming operator Charlie “Atong” Ang. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said preliminary findings indicate that the sacks may have been intentionally weighted with sandbags to keep them submerged. This followed the earlier discovery of a white sack near the shoreline in Laurel, Batangas, which appeared to contain charred bones. That sack, found on July 10, was recovered and turned over to police for forensic analysis to confirm whether the remains are human and potentially linked to the missing sabungeros. Brigadier General Jack Wanky of the Calabarzon Police said the shoreline site was among those flagged by Patidongan as dumping grounds for the victims. DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano earlier stated that Taal Lake’s freshwater conditions may have helped preserve skeletal remains, giving investigators hope that evidence can still be retrieved. “We are confident. It is worth the effort. We hope we can find something that will at least lead us in the right direction,” Clavano said. Patidongan, one of six charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention in the case, claims more than 100 sabungeros may have been killed—far exceeding the official list of 34 missing persons. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has also been consulted due to Taal Volcano’s alert level. “If there is even a slight underwater movement, we need to know how it will affect the safety of our divers,” Cayabyab explained. Families of victims, including the sister of missing sabong master agent Ricardo Lasco, have pleaded for justice and the recovery of their loved ones’ remains. “This is all we ask—bring them back to us so we can lay them to rest,” said Charlene Lasco in an emotional interview. The search effort now includes aerial drones, remotely operated vehicles, and sonar imaging equipment. Authorities have also requested advanced equipment from Japan to assist in the complex underwater operation. The Philippine government is pressing forward with the case, which could evolve into a full-blown murder investigation if forensic evidence confirms the presence of human remains. CAM/Expat Media
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