Philippine Coast Guard Divers Conduct Intensive Search in Taal Lake Despite Poor Visibility

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has started full-scale dive operations in Taal Lake to locate the remains of 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) since 2021. Despite near-zero visibility underwater, the search continues.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla confirmed that the dive team began operations at 8 a.m., moving southeast of the Alitagtag-Laurel bridge about 20 meters from the initial site covered the day before.

Underwater visibility is extremely poor, making the search slow and challenging. Divers are placing markers on suspicious objects for recovery teams from CIDG and BIA to collect potential evidence once safety procedures are ensured.

No items have been recovered yet due to the difficult conditions. Divers rely on touch and markers due to poor visibility. Underwater cameras are used, but clarity is affected.

The search area covers 100 square meters, with adjustments made based on assessments and shared intelligence. The operation is meticulous and ongoing.

This search is part of the investigation into the unresolved disappearance of sabungeros that sparked public outcry more than two years ago.

According to the source: The Manila Times.