UNDERWATER drones will be deployed first to assess conditions in Taal Lake before sending in divers to search for the missing “sabungeros,” who are feared to have been dumped there.
Navy spokesman Capt. John Percy Alcos said authorities have already identified a specific area for the search, based on a report from the Department of Justice on the case.
“Taal Lake ang isa sa pinakamalalim na lake sa Pilipinas,” said Alcos.
“Ito ay may lalim na 170 to 200 meters. Merong volcanic activity dito kaya ang plano dito ng PH Navy […] ay ise-send out muna namin ‘yung aming unmanned drones para makita ang condition sa ilalim at last resort na ang pag-send ng ating technical divers,” he added.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, also a Navy SEAL and spokesperson, explained that this sequence—sending drones before divers—is standard procedure for operations in challenging underwater environments.
He even added that drones can retrieve objects underwater without sending a diver.
“The moment we find what we have to recover, whether it’s an object or a cadaver, we could attach the connecting points to them and lift them up without sending any divers,” said Trinidad.
He emphasized that sending technical divers is the last resort.
The operation stems from testimony by a whistleblower known as “Totoy” (later identified as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan), a former farm manager and security aide to gambling businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.
Totoy alleges that at least 34 sabungeros—some reportedly minors—were abducted, murdered, and dumped into Taal Lake. He further claims that the true death toll could exceed 100.
UPDATE
As of July 10 today, the underwater search for the remains of the missing sabungeros is underway. The operation is conducted by both the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Justice.
They are currently in the middle of a technical assessment, mapping the site and evaluating the conditions before moving on to the technical dive.
