Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the search for missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts in Taal Lake may last up to six months due to the complexity and scale of the operation.

“Many people died here and what we’re doing is no easy task — searching for human remains in a vast lake that spans 224 square kilometers,” Remulla said in a radio interview.

Philippine Coast Guard divers have so far found five sacks filled with sand, rocks, and what appeared to be human bones about 10 meters from the shore of Barangay Balakilong in Laurel, Batangas.

The remains will be tested and compared to DNA samples from relatives of the missing.

According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, samples have already been collected from 12 families. A total of 34 sabungeros have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022, believed to have been killed over match-fixing disputes.

On the sixth day of search and retrieval operations, the PCG deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assist divers in locating remains.

Equipped with lights, a camera, and the ability to lift objects up to 10 kilograms, the ROV can operate underwater for four hours—much longer than divers.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, earlier claimed that the sabungeros were strangled and dumped in Taal Lake.

13 still active

He accused 18 police officers of involvement, allegedly under the orders of gambling operator Atong Ang. Among them, he named retired police general Jonnel Estomo as the highest-ranking official in the conspiracy.

Patidongan filed a complaint-affidavit before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), where he said Estomo belonged to the so-called “Alpha” group. He also claimed the group received a P70 million monthly payout, split among three factions.

In response, Estomo strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and malicious.”

“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner, and I will present evidence to clear my name,” he said in a statement, adding that his legal team is preparing charges against Patidongan.”

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan confirmed that 13 of the 18 implicated police officers remain on active duty, while five have been dismissed. Fifteen are under restrictive custody, and summons are being issued.

“We first need to take a look at the respondents’ answers... hoping they will answer the case filed by Totoy here at Napolcom,” Calinisan said.

Despite four diving attempts, the PCG has yet to recover additional bones from the lake. Underwater footage released earlier showed divers facing poor visibility, strong currents, and significant depth challenges.

“This can’t be rushed,” Remulla said. “Even though we really want to know right away what will happen, it’s a process we have to wait for and endure.”