The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday announced that retrieval operations connected with the missing sabungeros in Taal Lake have been suspended.
"Hi, good morning! According to PCG, all operations have been temporarily suspended due to the deterioration of prevailing weather conditions in the area. Primarily, there is significantly poor underwater visibility. However, all operating units remain on standby and are prepared to resume operations once weather conditions improve,” DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said.
Martinez issued the statement in response to questions about the status of the Taal Lake search, given the recent eruptions of Taal Volcano.
On Sunday, the volcano recorded three minor eruptions — one phreatic and two phreatomagmatic — lasting from one to four minutes. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) also reported 33 volcanic earthquakes during the same period.
As of October 12, the DOJ said around 887 human bones have been retrieved from the lake.
The Taal Lake retrieval operations began following allegations by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and dumped into the lake.