The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has completed its preparations for the search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake on Thursday, July 10, in connection with the case of the 34 'missing sabungeros.'
According to Jecelle Ricafort's report in Damdaming Bayan, the operation will concentrate on specific areas of the lake, especifically the fish pond where the victims were allegedly dumped, according to the whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known by the alias "Totoy."
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are expected to join the composite team already in position, with elite PCG divers, the K9 unit, and other personnel standing by to begin underwater search efforts by mid-morning.
Two drones from the Coast Guard Aviation Command arrived in Talisay and are expected to assist in initial assessments. Technical divers are set to begin preliminary dives, depending on environmental conditions.
Also deployed are equipment and personnel from the PCG’s elite K9 unit, which has already begun panel inspections to support the search team.
The Philippine Navy is also set to deploy an underwater drone, which may be launched ahead of its divers to ensure safety before underwater operations proceed.
Despite the challenging conditions, authorities remain hopeful. The fishpond area identified as “ground zero” continues to be a major focal point, as search efforts aim to finally provide answers and closure to families seeking justice.
In a follow-up update, the planned diving operation in Taal Lake for the search and retrieval of the remains of the 34 missing sabungeros was postponed and will instead proceed tomorrow, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ)
In an interview with RH Jecelle Ricafort, DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed that the actual search and retrieval will begin tomorrow, as a technical site assessment was required before the operation could commence.
The assessment was conducted on Thursday afternoon, July 10, which more than 30 divers from the PCG have already dive into specific areas of the said lake.
The operation is part of the ongoing efforts to resolve the high-profile case involving the disappearance of 34 sabungeros who went missing under suspicious circumstances.
