Search for missing sabungeros begins at Taal Lake

MANILA — Government divers on Thursday are set to begin their preliminary search for the "missing sabungeros," who, according to a whistleblower, were executed and dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.

Flurry of allegations revives dormant ‘missing sabungeros’ case

The Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Justice, and the Philippine National Police will lead the underwater retrieval operation to find the remains of the cockfight gamers.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab earlier said the operation would be the first of its kind in Taal Lake, noting both the depth and breadth of the lake as major challenges.

Gretchen Barretto camp questions whistleblower's credibility in missing sabungeros case

According to Julie "Dondon" Patidongan alias "Totoy," more than 100 people have gone missing or were killed in connection with illegal gambling operations, including jueteng.

He said the victims were killed after they were caught cheating in the cockfighting games.

Patidongan has linked businessman Atong Ang to the killings, saying the 

Philippines asks Japan's help searching lake for missing cockfighters

businessman did not want cheating to mar the cockfighting operations.

Ang has denied all allegations.

RELATED VIDEO