Grim find in Taal Lake: Sacks of bones, sinkers recovered by PCG divers

• Philippine Coast Guard divers have recovered multiple sacks containing suspected bones, along with heavy objects like rocks and cement, in Taal Lake during the search for missing cockfighting enthusiasts

• The presence of these "sinkers" inside the sacks strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to weigh them down, corroborating whistleblower claims that bodies were intentionally dumped into the lake

• The discovery has intensified a multi-agency investigation, including orders from President Marcos Jr., reigniting hopes for the families of the missing "sabungeros" to find answers and justice after years of uncertainty

• The discovery has intensified a multi-agency investigation, including orders from President Marcos Jr., reigniting hopes for the families of the missing "sabungeros" to find answers and justice after years of uncertainty

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers have made a significant, albeit grim, discovery in Taal Lake, retrieving multiple sacks containing what appear to be bones, alongside heavy rocks and even cement.

These findings emerged during intensified search and retrieval operations for the dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, known as "sabungeros," who vanished mysteriously between 2021 and 2022.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of the PCG Southern Tagalog District, confirmed the recoveries, noting that the presence of "sinkers" like rocks and cement within the sacks strongly suggests an attempt to prevent them from surfacing.

This detail corroborates earlier claims made by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as alias Totoy, who alleged that the bodies of the missing individuals were intentionally weighed down and dumped into the lake.

The recovered sacks, some partially buried in the lakebed, were found by technical divers operating at depths ranging from 50 to 70 feet in an area identified by the whistleblower as a potential dumping site.

Tuvilla indicated that the heavy materials might have contributed to the damage observed on the sacks.

While forensic analysis will definitively determine the nature and origin of the bones and other contents, the method of their disposal points towards a deliberate act.

Search operations in Taal Lake present formidable challenges for the PCG's technical divers. One of the most significant obstacles is the extremely poor underwater visibility.

Divers often rely on flashlights and tactile identification, groping along the lakebed to locate suspicious objects.

"Limited ang search pattern natin kasi nag-iiba talaga 'yung description, characteristics ng tubig kahapon. Before entry OK pa 'yung visibility. Upon reaching the bottom, 1 meter na lang 'yung makikita mo na kaya mo ma-distinguish, poor talaga visibility," Tuvilla explained, highlighting the difficult conditions.

Despite these environmental hurdles, the search teams are employing meticulous strategies, including methodical search patterns like the "jackstay search method" where divers use a reference line to ensure thorough coverage and prevent disorientation.

They also use buoys and flotation markers to pinpoint suspicious items for proper documentation and retrieval by forensic teams from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA), who must be present during any recoveries.

Underwater cameras are also utilized, though their effectiveness is hampered by the murky waters.

The ongoing operation gained renewed urgency following recent testimonies, including Patidongan's, which prompted the Department of Justice (DOJ) to request the mobilization of specialized PCG units.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also ordered a thorough investigation into the discoveries, emphasizing the need to verify if the retrieved items are indeed linked to the long-unsolved case of the missing sabungeros.

As of Saturday, a total of five sacks believed to be connected to the disappearance have been recovered.

Initial reports mentioned one sack containing suspected burned human bones, while others contained stones or cement.

These materials have been turned over to Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and other law enforcement units for forensic analysis and potential DNA testing, which could take 24 to 48 hours for initial results.

The PCG is also set to deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to enhance underwater observation and retrieval capabilities.

The discovery has reignited hopes for the families of the missing individuals, who have long sought answers and justice.

The ongoing efforts underscore the multi-agency commitment to unraveling one of the country's most high-profile disappearance cases.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In news abroad, Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore to claim her remains and arrange her burial. Her decomposed body was found in a DHA Phase-VI apartment during a court-ordered eviction; she is believed to have died 8–10 months ago. DNA tests and chemical analyses are underway to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death, as no injuries were found. Sindh officials, including Governor Kamran Tessori, offered to handle the funeral after initial reports suggested the family declined custody.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh