MISSING SABUNGEROS

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered additional sacks from the bottom of Taal Lake on Friday, July 11, as it launched full-scale diving operations in the intensified search for the missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) who vanished nearly three years ago. While authorities have yet to confirm the contents of these newly retrieved sacks, the development follows a significant discovery on Thursday of a sack containing what appeared to be burned human bones.

Over 30 technical divers were deployed today, a day after the PCG and other authorities conducted an initial site assessment of areas identified as potential dumping sites. The comprehensive operation was prompted by claims made by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who alleged that the victims were killed and their bodies subsequently dumped in the lake.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), preliminary information suggests that the sacks may have been weighted down with sandbags to ensure they sank to the lakebed. Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesman, confirmed that three teams began dives as early as 7:45 a.m. Friday, targeting high-probability areas. The PCG deployed its teams to two separate dive points, approximately 52 to 72 feet away from the shoreline of Barangay Balakilong in Laurel town. The first wave of the search operation comprised 13 divers, who reached depths ranging from 16.6 to 21.8 meters.

Charlene Lasco, sister of missing sabungero Ricardo “Jonjon” Lasco Jr., personally witnessed the PCG search team’s efforts, expressing a mix of hope and sorrow. “Sana yun na yung kapatid ko eh – sana siya na yun,” Lasco told reporters, hoping the retrieved remains belong to her brother. She added, “Excited po kaming lahat, its a mixed emotion at the same time nalulungkot, meron kaba pero ganon pa man at least we are happy finally lahat ng sinasabi ni Dondon Patidongan ay totoo.” Lasco firmly believes that Patidongan’s revelations are just the “tip of the iceberg.”

“Opo ilalaban po namin ‘to apat na taon na ho..hindi ho kami naiinip at kami ay talagang punong-puno ng pagasa sa araw-araw lalo na ngayon,” said Lasco, affirming their readiness to continue the fight for justice. She also stated that the families are prepared to provide DNA samples to authorities to validate whether the retrieved bones are indeed those of her brother Jonjon.

The search on Thursday had yielded a white sack containing what appeared to be burnt human bones near the shoreline. These remains have been turned over to police for forensic examination to determine if they are human and potentially linked to the missing sabungeros. The justice department emphasized that a forensic examination and DNA testing are crucial before any conclusions can be drawn. As of now, neither the PCG nor local authorities have issued any official statement or confirmation regarding the contents of the additional sacks recovered today.