Four sacks were spotted by technical divers of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during a search and retrieval operation at Taal Lake on Friday, July 11, where the remains of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts are believed to have been dumped.
Two of the four sacks were successfully retrieved earlier today as the operation officially began, while the remaining two remain submerged underwater.
PCG divers explained that they delayed the retrieval from the morning to avoid technical complications and to ensure proper coordination with crime scene investigators.
In the afternoon, accompanied by personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the divers resumed their operation with added security and procedural support.
The sacks were found in a fishpond area of the lake reportedly leased by one of the suspects in the high-profile disappearance case. The site has long been suspected as the dumping ground for the victims’ remains.
The operation involved multiple batches of PCG divers. The first team completed their dive earlier today, while the second batch, consisting of eight divers, began their descent this afternoon.
PCG confirmed to DZRH News that several sacks had been located underwater. DZRH also sought confirmation from Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of the PCG Southern Tagalog, on whether all the sacks had been brought to the surface.
Search areas continue to be assessed and expanded based on the findings. The PCG reported that the divers who initially spotted the sacks are also part of the second batch of retrieval personnel.
Authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and SOCO have also arrived at the site to examine the skeletal remains recovered yesterday, which are believed to be linked to the missing sabungeros.
According to NBI representative Jaime Santiago, their team will conduct forensic examinations and DNA testing to confirm the identities of the remains.
As the PCG continues its search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake, families of the missing sabungeros gathered at the site to witness developments and seek justice for their loved ones.
Families were seen wearing white shirts printed with the word "Justice" and photos of the missing individuals.
In an interview with the media, Anne Rigondona, sister of one of the victims, expressed hope that justice will soon be served and that those behind the crime will be burdened by their conscience.
"Ang masasabi ko na lang makonsensya siya," she said.
Rigondona clarified that her brother was not a cockfighting enthusiast, but was only accompanying an acquaintance to help carry fighting roosters.
Authorities are still working with forensic teams to examine previously recovered skeletal remains, while the PCG divers press on in their efforts to locate and retrieve more possible evidence.
