Joselito Malig

The Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with local authorities and disaster response teams, deploys a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to aid in the ongoing search for the missing sabungero in Taal Lake, Laurel, Batangas, on July 15, 2025. The equipment scans deeper and hard-to-reach areas of the lake, where poor visibility and strong currents continue to challenge divers. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

MISSING SABUNGEROS- TAAL SEARCH

Izzy Lee

ABS-CBN News

<p>The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its search operations in Taal Lake on Friday despite rainy weather in Batangas. </p><p>Prior to deployment, PCG personnel conducted a survey of the area and assessed weather conditions.</p><p> At around 2:45 p.m., the boat carrying PCG personnel and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) left for the search area. The ROV will be used to scan the lakebed as part of the ongoing search efforts.</p><p> Coast Guard Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla and CGSOF Commander Rear Admiral Inocencio Rosario also boarded a boat to inspect ground zero.</p><p> The Coast Guard earlier suspended its search operations due to bad weather and reduced underwater visibility amid tropical cyclone Crising and the habagat.</p><p>Since starting the search operations last week, authorities have recovered several sacks of remains, some of which confirmed to contain human bones.</p><p>The retrieved remains have been transported to the PNP forensic group for cross-matching with the DNA samples provided by the sabungeros&#x27; kin.</p><p>So far, 12 family members have provided their DNA profile, out of the 34 reported missing cockfighters, according to PNP.</p><p>Whistleblower Julie &quot;Dondon&quot; Patidongan had claimed that the sabungeros were executed and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake after they were allegedly caught cheating in the games. </p><p>Aside from divers, the PCG earlier this week also deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to detect &quot;suspicious objects&quot; at the bottom of the lake.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gcc0E3Fbm_w??si=7JkdxqoUc1Pph6If&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div><div> </div>

<p>The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its search operations in Taal Lake on Friday despite rainy weather in Batangas.</p>

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its search operations in Taal Lake on Friday despite rainy weather in Batangas.

PCG resumes search operations in Taal Lake despite rainy weather

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PCG resumes search operations in Taal Lake despite rainy weather

Izzy Lee,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 18, 2025 05:57 PM PHT

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Taal Lake

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Missing Sabungeros

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