MISSING SABUNGEROS CASE: No planted evidence in recovery of sacks of suspected human remains - PCG

National

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has denied allegations that the sacks recovered from Taal Lake in connection with the missing sabungeros case were staged or planted.

According to PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab, their team remains committed to ensuring the integrity of their ongoing underwater search efforts.

She clarified that all recovered items, including the sacks that possibly contained bones and burned materials, were retrieved through legitimate operations in a high-risk environment.

“Itinatanggi ito ng PCG [na planted lang ang mga nakitang sako sa Taal Lake].

Ang layunin ng bawat diving operations namin ay makapagbigay ng hustisya at katotohanan,” Cayabyab told Super Radyo dzBB.

“Nawa'y mawala ang mga ganitong espekulasyon dahil bawat sisid ng PCG, buhay nila ang nakataya.”

The sacks were discovered during an extensive underwater search conducted on July 12 in Taal Lake as part of the investigation into the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts—or sabungeros—who went missing between 2021 and 2022.

Some sacks contained what appeared to be human remains, while others were filled with stones or debris.

These findings are now undergoing forensic examination to determine if the bones are indeed human.

Southern Tagalog Coast Guard District Commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla addressed doubts cast on the operation, saying criticism is expected, but their focus remains on fulfilling their duty with professionalism.

“Sabi nga nila, we cannot please everyone. Basta kami… tuloy-tuloy lang namin gagawin yung aming trabaho professionally, diligently, and properly,” Tuvilla said.

Cayabyab further explained that diving operations would continue for as long as weather and volcanic conditions permit, and the deployment of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is underway to support the search.

“Continue po ang diving operations hanggang may na-retrieve,” she said. “Naka-depende rin ang tagal ng diving operation sa weather, current, at alert level ng Taal Volcano.”

The case has gained renewed public attention following the emergence of whistleblowers earlier this year who alleged that police officers and other individuals may have been involved in the abduction and possible disposal of the missing sabungeros in Taal Lake.

Investigations by the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police are currently ongoing.

Despite the speculation, the PCG continues its underwater search with caution and dedication, underscoring that every mission risks the lives of its divers in pursuit of justice.(Edmie Rocsan,UV Comm Intern)