Search for missing ‘sabungeros’ resurfaces in Taal Lake

In a dramatic turn in one of the country’s most chilling cold cases, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday launched a full-scale underwater search and site assessment in Taal Lake to investigate claims that the bodies of 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) were dumped there.

Acting on a request from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the PCG deployed technical divers, drones, and support personnel to comb sections of the 234-square-kilometer lake, four years after the victims vanished without a trace.

“This is a major step forward,” said Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Commander of PCG District Southern Tagalog, who is leading the operation. “We’ve established a staging area, command post, and prepped the equipment for underwater operations.”

At least 11 technical divers have already arrived at the lake, with a full complement of 33 divers expected to participate in the inter-agency effort involving the PCG, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The breakthrough came after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy—one of the security guards charged in the sabungero abductions—claimed the victims were strangled with wire and dumped into Taal Lake. His testimony has renewed the government’s drive to uncover the truth behind the high-profile disappearances.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said the operation is a “step in the right direction,” noting that expert advice has been sought to narrow down the massive search area.

“We’re focusing our search on a smaller, more defined zone. We can’t say how confident we are, but this is worth every effort,” Clavano said in a media interview. “We’re finally moving forward after years of silence—and we owe it to the families to chase every credible lead.”

Clavano added that with more informants coming forward, the government is now “all in” on the case. “This isn’t our only lead, but it’s by far the strongest one we’ve had,” he stressed.

The search operation in Taal Lake could be the key to finally resolving one of the country’s most baffling and heartbreaking missing persons cases—and for the victims’ families, a long-awaited chance at closure.