The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has refuted allegations that the sacks recovered from Taal Lake—some possibly containing bones—were planted, stressing that the operation is a legitimate part of their ongoing investigation into the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.
Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab said their divers are risking their lives in every descent to uncover the truth.
“Ang layunin ng bawat diving operations namin ay makapagbigay ng hustisya at katotohanan. Nawa’y mawala ang mga ganitong espekulasyon dahil bawat sisid ng PCG, buhay nila ang nakataya,” Cayabyab said.
The PCG launched the underwater search following information from whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, who claimed that the missing sabungeros had been killed. The case involves at least 34 men who disappeared between April 2021 and January 2022 across Luzon, including areas in Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal, and Manila.
During the search, five sacks were recovered—two of which may contain bones, one with charred fragments, and two filled with stones. The sacks were reportedly found about 20 meters apart, according to Cayabyab, who emphasized that a tight and methodical search pattern is being followed to avoid missing any evidence.
Taal Lake, covering 234 square kilometers and reaching depths comparable to a 60-storey building, poses a significant challenge to divers due to its muddy waters and unpredictable weather. Cayabyab confirmed that diving operations will continue depending on weather conditions, current flow, and Taal Volcano’s alert level.
PCG Southern Tagalog commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla addressed public skepticism over the probe, saying such reactions are expected. “We cannot please everyone,” he noted. “Basta kaming PCG, katuwang ang Philippine National Police at Department of Justice, tuloy-tuloy lang namin gagawin yung trabaho namin professionally, diligently, and properly.”
Tuvilla added that while nothing was recovered during Sunday morning’s search, their team will expand the operation to other areas northeast of the current site.
The PCG has since released underwater footage showing the search in progress. Patidongan, the whistleblower, earlier linked the disappearances to a group involving rogue police officers and also mentioned businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto—allegations that remain under scrutiny by authorities.
