RECOVERING the bodies of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) allegedly dumped in Taal Lake will be extremely challenging, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday, as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that the number of victims could exceed 100.
PCG spokesman Captain Noemi Cayabyab said their technical divers face significant hurdles, including the lake’s depth, which could be around 170 meters — far deeper than the 100-meter record reached by PCG dive teams.
Other difficulties include poor underwater visibility, the risk of volcanic activity, unpredictable weather, and the possibility that the remains may have shifted away from their original location over time.
“We’re open to coordinating with the Philippine Navy for assistance,” Cayabyab said, but clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has not yet issued a formal request for dive operations in the lake.
Currently, the PCG has six trained technical divers capable of conducting deep-water search missions.
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Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Remulla said new testimony from a witness has drastically widened the scope of the investigation into the killings.
Known only as “Totoy,” the witness claimed a syndicate operating online cockfighting rings systematically abducted and murdered suspected cheaters.
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The hit men, Remulla said, were allegedly paid P500,000 per target, with payments confirmed through vouchers.
“Totoy was a trusted insider. He knew the people, the operations, and he had access to documents. We’re looking at mass murder here,” Remulla said, confirming that the bodies were likely dumped in Taal Lake.
The DOJ has requested help from the Japanese government for underwater remote operating vehicles (ROVs) to assist in searching the lakebed.
Remulla said “Totoy” may be considered for state witness protection, pending case build-up and legal review.
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“He already has pending charges, but we are studying how to discharge him if his testimony becomes indispensable,” he said.
The justice secretary also pointed to a well-funded, organized criminal syndicate with links to cockpit owners, gambling operators, and possibly even government officials. At least 20 individuals connected to the e-sabong industry are under investigation.
While he declined to name any high-profile individuals, he confirmed that prominent figures, including some known in gambling circles, have been mentioned by the witness and are now under scrutiny.
Swift action sought
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sought the swift action of concerned law enforcement agencies in light of new testimony that came out in connection with the 2021 case of the missing ‘sabungeros.’
It said that it has sent its special investigators from its Region 4A office to proceed to the reported site to carry out monitoring activities and participate in joint quick-response operations alongside relevant authorities.
CHR Region 4A conducted a motu proprio investigation back in 2022, it said in a statement emailed to The Manila Times.
The agency was able to gather testimonies and other pertinent evidence from the families of the missing victims in an effort to shed light on the reported disappearances.
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At that time, however, no information had surfaced that could directly point to the victims’ whereabouts or identify the perpetrators, the CHR said.
Given the latest developments, the commission was confident that this could mark the beginning of a more thorough and coordinated investigation, “one that may finally uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families.”
In related development, CHR Commissioner and spokesman Beda Epres, along with other officials and personnel, held a dialog last Tuesday with the victims’ families, who held a peaceful rally at Liwasang Diokno, CHR central office.
The CHR officials assured them of the agency’s full support in their search for truth and justice.
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WITH REPORTS FROM FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA AND ARLIE O. CALALO
