Underwater search for missing sabungeros continues in Taal

Laurel, Batangas — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its technical divers are continuing underwater retrieval operations in Taal Lake on a Sunday in connection with the disappearance of 34 sabungeros even if it's a weekend.

This was according to PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemi Cayabyab, saying, “Yes, our diving operation is ongoing.” Adding, “Today, we just held a mass and then right after that, our divers proceeded with their task.”

Cayabyab said five sacks have so far been recovered from the lake. These sacks, retrieved from the lakebed under near-zero visibility conditions, are believed to be linked to the missing men.

“Yesterday, when we retrieved the sacks, SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives) personnel were present. We immediately turned over the two sacks to SOCO,” she said.

The PCG emphasized the difficulty of combing through the vast expanse of Taal Lake.

“The area is very wide. That’s why, when it comes to diving operations, we rely on identified locations provided to us by the lead agency, which are based on intelligence and witness testimony,” Cayabyab said. “We can’t afford to compromise the safety of our technical divers.”

Cayabyab also confirmed that the sacks retrieved so far came from locations indicated by witnesses and intelligence sources.

“Due to the zero visibility underwater, our divers have to feel their way through. When they encounter unusual objects that could be relevant, we inform SOCO and the lead agency. Once we get the go-signal, we proceed with the retrieval,” Cayabyab explained.

The PCG has not confirmed the contents of the sacks, pending forensic examination by SOCO and other authorities.

In the coming days, dive operations are expected to continue as investigators pursue leads on the possible dumping of the victims’ remains in the lake.