The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) explained that the sacks it retrieved from Taal Lake as part of the search for the missing sabungeros that contain what appeared to be bones were not planted.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab stressed that the ongoing diving operations for the search of the missing sabungeros is a legitimate operation and part of a formal investigation.

Cayabyab said the PCG denies allegations that the sacks found in Taal Lake were planted. The goal of every diving operation we conduct is to provide justice and uncover the truth. We hope such speculation will stop because our PCG team put their lives on the line in every dive.

Cayabyab noted that one of the challenges that divers face is dealing with the murky and muddy area of Taal Lake.

“Continue po ang diving operations hanggang may na retrieve, Naka-depende rin ang tagal ng diving operation sa weather, current, at alert level ng Taal Volcano,” Cayabyab said.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, Taal Lake spans 234 square kilometers, which is nine times as large as the City of Manila.

It also has a depth of 198 meters, or the equivalent of a 60-storey building.

The Coast Guard on Sunday released underwater video footage of their search and retrieval operation in Taal Lake for the missing sabungeros.

PGC divers have so far retrieved five sacks, of which two may contain bones. Another sack contained charred bones, while two others had stones.

The search for the missing sabungero’s bodies was launched based on information provided by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alias Totoy who revealed that they were already dead to their families.

At least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros went missing from various areas of Luzon between April 2021 and January 2022. The disappearances occurred in Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Rizal and Manila. At least one sabungero was confirmed to have been kidnapped from his home.

Patidongan also implicate police personnel as among those responsible for abducting and killing the missing sabungeros, while tagging businessman Atong Ang and celebrity Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances.