The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that a technical diving operation will begin in Taal Lake this week to search for the remains of missing sabungeros, who are believed to be buried in that part of the lake.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the operation will be led by various government agencies, with assistance from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, which were the first to offer their support for the mission. However, he clarified that the operation is not connected to their recent request for additional equipment from the Japanese government. According to Remulla, the letter seeking assistance was sent only last week, and they are still awaiting a response.
While the operation will focus on Taal Lake, Remulla emphasized that other locations cannot be ruled out as potential burial sites for the missing individuals. Despite this, he reassured the public that the information guiding the operation is “strong and solid.”
This search is tied to the case of the missing sabungero victims, whose bodies were allegedly disposed of in Taal Lake after being killed. The initial revelation came from a witness identified as ‘Totoy,’ whose real name is Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan. She claimed that the victims were buried in that part of the lake.
The DOJ aims to determine whether any remains can be found at the specified location and bring clarity to the case.
