THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted an ocular inspection at Taal Lake Thursday, July 10, 2025, ahead of the search and retrieval operations for the remains of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros).
The PCG prepared the equipment as technical divers were set to begin the search for the bodies of the missing sabungeros Friday, July 11.
In a statement, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said they received a formal request from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to conduct search and retrieval operations at Taal Lake on Wednesday, July 9.
“The request covered the mobilization and deployment of specialized Coast Guard units, including operational support teams, to augment the DOJ’s ongoing investigation,” Gavan said.
Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog Commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla PCG was directed to oversee all operational and tactical control, including operational guidance for personnel safety and environmental factors.
Gavan has also instructed the Coast Guard Fleet and Coast Guard Aviation Command to utilize the PCG’s remotely operated vehicle and unmanned aerial vehicle to support the search and retrieval operations.
Following the inspection, Tuvilla briefed the DOJ, particularly on the areas that will be prioritized during the search, including the fishpond area, which was identified as ground zero.
Earlier, accused-turned-whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed that over a hundred bodies of sabungeros, who were killed over cheating allegations in cockfighting events since 2021, were thrown into Taal Lake.
Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters, DOJ Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that while finding the remains of the victims would further bolster the case, it is not necessary for a person to be convicted of the crime of murder.
Clavano said that under the doctrine of corpus delicti, establishing that a person has died and that the death was the result of a criminal act is given more weight.
He said photos or videos of the killing are strong forms of evidence to establish that the victim was indeed murdered.
“Conviction is still possible without producing the body as long as you prove the fact of death in court,” Clavano said.
“Obviously, presenting the body or remains will be damning evidence of this. Yet, even without presenting the same, there are many other ways to prove the fact of death,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)