PCG gears up for possible deep-water retrieval mission in Taal Lake

• The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is preparing for a possible body retrieval operation in Taal Lake, where missing sabungeros are allegedly buried underwater
• No formal request has been made by the DOJ yet, but PCG has already deployed patrol teams and placed technical divers on standby, Manila Standard reported
• PCG cited Taal Lake’s depth of 174 meters as a major challenge, noting their divers usually operate up to 100 meters only
• This would be the first retrieval mission of its kind in Taal Lake, with PCG stressing the importance of coordination with the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is preparing for what could be a historic and complex retrieval mission in the depths of Taal Lake, Batangas, amid allegations that the remains of missing cockfighters, or sabungeros, may be buried underwater.

While the Department of Justice (DOJ) has yet to formally request assistance, the PCG has proactively readied its resources, Manila Standard reported.

“As of now, wala pa kaming narereceive na formal request, pero upon issuance of the statement ni Secretary Remulla that time, nagdeploy na ang PCG District Southern Tagalog ng ating mga tao to conduct the seaborne patrol operations. Nakastandby na rin ang ating technical divers in case na kakailanganin na magstart na ang operations,” said PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab on Wednesday.

This potential mission presents new technical challenges for the PCG, as Taal Lake reaches depths of up to 174 meters—well beyond the 100-meter depth most divers have previously tackled.

“Ang nakikita naming magiging challenge is yung lalim at lapad ng Taal Lake. We have 174 meters in depth. Although may experience ang ating technical divers, per history ng kanilang operations, they just dived hanggang 100 meters in depth,” she explained.

Guirao-Cayabyab confirmed this would be the first time such an operation would take place in Taal Lake.

“This would be the first time [na magkakaroon ng retrieval ng bodies sa Taal Lake]... This would be a challenging deployment.”

She emphasized the need for support, saying, “We would take this opportunity na magkaroon ng coordination with the Philippine Navy.”

Below is a report made by OnePH on the subject matter.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh