The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has delivered equipment to Talisay, Batangas, in preparation for the search and retrieval mission for the missing sabungeros—cockfighting enthusiasts—believed to have been dumped in Taal Lake.
The equipment was unloaded around 2 a.m. Thursday at a Coast Guard substation before being moved to a nearby fishport, which will serve as the operation’s staging area, as reported by GMA Integrated News’ James Agustin on Unang Balita.
Among the gear brought in are diving suits, oxygen tanks, cadaver bags, life-saving equipment, inflatable boats, and rubber boats. The actual start of the search will depend on weather conditions and water currents, both of which are known challenges in the area.
Authorities note that the lake’s deepest part reaches 198 meters—roughly the height of a 60-story building. Additional complications include Taal Volcano’s ongoing Alert Level 1 status, which means there is still potential for steam-driven explosions and volcanic gas emissions.
Officials from the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police-CIDG, and the PCG are expected to meet onsite before diving operations begin. Security has also been tightened around the lake.
A total of 34 sabungeros have been missing since 2021–2022, reportedly due to match-fixing disputes. Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also one of the accused, claimed the victims were killed and their bodies buried in the lake. He implicated businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto—both of whom have denied any involvement.