The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday firmly denied allegations of evidence planting in the ongoing retrieval operations at Taal Lake, where authorities are searching for the remains of 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.

“This is a formal, coordinated operation. The PCG categorically denies that the sacks found were planted,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab said in an interview. “Each dive is part of our commitment to truth and justice. Our divers risk their lives in every operation.”

So far, five sacks have been retrieved from the lakebed: two containing what appear to be human bones, one with charred remains, and two others filled with stones. These were found roughly 20 meters apart, near the designated “critical depth” or central diving (CD) zone where the search is concentrated.

The retrieval mission is being conducted in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), following the explosive testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy.” The witness alleged the victims were abducted and killed, implicating several police officers, businessman Atong Ang, and actress Gretchen Barretto.

The disappearances occurred in April 2021 and January 2022 across Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal, and Metro Manila. In at least one case, a victim was reportedly taken from his own home.

Despite intense efforts on Sunday, no new items were recovered. The team continued using the "jack-stay" method — a systematic, linear sweep of the lakebed designed to ensure no area is missed. The effort was challenged by near-zero visibility, strong underwater currents, and a muddy, uneven terrain.

“We’ve been using the jack-stay search method — moving in straight lines and systematically sweeping the area. Yesterday, we shifted the search about 10 meters northeast of the CD,” said Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Commander of the PCG District Southern Tagalog.

“Sometimes we can stay underwater for up to 84 minutes, but the murky conditions make identification and retrieval very hard.”

Tuvilla said the lake’s 198-meter-deep bottom is littered with slopes, depressions, and hazards that can bury or conceal evidence. Strong currents also risk sweeping items away as divers ascend, prompting follow-up dives in the same areas.

Divers have reported seeing suspicious objects, including sacks, but retrieval isn’t always possible on the first attempt due to poor visibility and depth. All sightings are logged and referred to the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for proper handling.

“You’ll see there are really sacks down at the bottom. But the visibility is problematic, so it’s necessary for our divers to check carefully,” Tuvilla said. “There are bottom hazards we must consider — possible obstructions, uneven elevations, and silt buildup. Some objects get buried or drift deeper. That’s why we conduct follow-up sweeps.”

Despite the harsh underwater conditions, the PCG vows to press on and search all areas within established parameters. This includes accounting for time spent underwater, known hazards, and environmental changes at the lake’s floor.

“It’s not normal down there — we could find something,” Tuvilla added.

Tuvilla emphasized that the operation only began recently and that the team remains professional and diligent in its conduct. He urged the public to avoid spreading baseless speculation.

“We’ve only recently started this operation, but we’re doing our work professionally and diligently,” he said. “We appeal to the public to refrain from spreading speculation. Our only goal is to help deliver justice.”

Taal Lake spans 234 square kilometers — nine times the size of Manila — and its vast, unpredictable terrain remains the focal point of the investigation. To combat claims of a cover-up, the PCG has released footage of its dives and continues to work closely with SOCO to secure and document any retrieved items.

“We’re working to cover every mapped-out search zone. Our divers are thorough, and we will not stop until all possible areas have been searched,” Tuvilla said.