The Department of Justice (DOJ) has sought assistance from the Japanese government in the search for missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, believed to have been dumped in Lake Taal.

On Monday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the DOJ sent a formal request last week asking Japan for support in underwater recovery efforts, including the deployment of specialized equipment and expertise.

“We just wrote the letter last week. So we expect a reply anytime this week,” Remulla said.

Authorities plan to map out possible sites in and around the lake, which has proven difficult to search due to volcanic activity and murky waters.

“There will be layers of sediments because there are eruptions going on. There will be murkiness in the waters because of the weather. But that doesn’t stop us from looking into the lake as the resting place of many of those missing people,” Remulla explained.

A fishpond listed by one of the suspects has been identified as a potential ground zero in the ongoing search. Remulla said other dumping sites are also being considered.

“Anything is possible. But we think the clues we got regarding the site may be accurate in many ways,” he said.

Authorities are also tracking new suspects and witnesses. “Some people are coming out. Mukhang may makukuha pa tayong mga bagong testigo within the week (Looks like we’ll get new witnesses within the week),” Remulla said, adding that names of individuals not previously charged have surfaced.

One suspect currently in police custody is expected to undergo questioning soon, with legal counsel present.

Remulla also revealed that the Supreme Court has started investigating certain members of the judiciary who may be connected to the case. At least one judge is under scrutiny, he said, and he has already spoken with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo about the matter.

“They’re doing their job. The Supreme Court is our best ally when it comes to cleaning up the justice system,” Remulla said.

As for whistleblower Totoy, who has been previously implicated, the DOJ is still determining whether he may qualify as a state witness.

“We were discussing that this morning with the Prosecutor General, but we haven’t concluded anything yet,” Remulla said, noting that any decision will consider the full scope of past, ongoing, and future cases.