MISSING SABUNGEROS

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Saturday its readiness to provide expertise and specialized equipment to aid in the search for the remains of missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) believed to have been dumped in Taal Lake.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum stated during a Saturday News Forum that the agency is willing to coordinate with other scientists and deploy instruments, particularly marine monitoring equipment, that could potentially locate human remains. “Of course, we will be in touch with other scientists. We think there might be instruments that are capable. We have a marine instrument funded by DOST for marine monitoring—for fish and corals—but we will have to find out if other cameras that we have can handle the murky conditions of Taal Lake,” Solidum said.

Solidum acknowledged that the murky and deep conditions of Taal Lake, which spans over 230 square kilometers and reaches depths of 172 meters (564 feet) in some areas, could pose a challenge. He suggested that using specialized cameras might be a safer and more effective approach than sending divers directly into unknown depths. “That is easier than diving because diving is not safe. We don’t know how deep they will have to go,” he explained.

The DOST Secretary noted that it is “possible” for human bones to still be recovered from the lake, as bones do not decompose in the same manner as flesh. “Bones do not decompose. The bone doesn’t care about decomposition, only the flesh rots,” Solidum clarified. He added that the rate of decomposition for organic matter would depend on the oxygen levels and depth of the specific location within the lake. In areas with low oxygen, remains could be preserved.

The Philippine government has reportedly sought technical assistance from Japan to help in the search for dozens of cockfighting participants allegedly killed by rogue police and disposed of in the lake.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” has been central to these claims, alleging that the bodies of initially 34, and later up to 100, missing sabungeros were submerged in Taal Lake. Patidongan, who initially appeared in silhouette due to safety concerns, has since identified businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. Ang has vehemently denied all accusations and, on Thursday, filed a lawsuit accusing Patidongan of slander, threats, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Patidongan claims to have seen videos of victims being strangled before his phone was confiscated. He alleged that many victims were taken to Talisay, Batangas, near Taal Lake, where they were tortured and killed. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that 15 police officers linked to the case are now under restricted custody, with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stating they “carried out the executions.”

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