DOJ eyes Taal Lake search for sabungero remains this week

The authorities are looking to start searching Taal Lake this week for the bodies of the missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts who were abducted and allegedly killed in 2021 to 2022, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.

One of the accused in the abduction of some of the cockfighters, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan has said that the victims were killed on the days they were taken. He said their bodies were tied to sandbags before they were thrown into the lake.

Patidongan also named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case. He also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. 

Both have denied anything to do in the abductions and the killings. Ang also filed a complaint for robbery and other crimes against Patidongan.

“We’re asking them to start this week,” Remulla told reporters.

“We want to map it out and look at the condition so we can plan how to go about it,” he added.

Asked if the authorities had specific locations in mind, Remulla said, “Merong fishpond lease ang isang suspect na ano natin, tinutukoy natin. Bali ‘yun ang ating ano... ground zero natin."

(One of the suspects has a fishpond lease. That is our... ground zero.)

The Philippine government has also requested technical assistance from Japan.

Remulla said there was no response yet as the request was only made last week. He said the government is expecting a reply any time this week.

Over the weekend, the Department of Science and Technology offered to lend its expertise and equipment in the search. The National Bureau of Investigation likewise said it is ready to lend its forensic expertise.

When asked if Patidongan is now a state witness, Remulla said this is under discussion. He said there may be more witnesses in the case within the week.

Ang has denied the allegations against him, saying that Patidongan threatened to link him to the disappearance if he refused to pay P300 million. –NB, GMA Integrated News