PH turns to Japan’s submersible robots in search of missing Taal Lake ‘sabungeros’

The Philippine government plans to ask Japan for remote operating vehicles (ROVs) to map the bed of Taal Lake, after the whistleblower, alias “Totoy,” alleged that the missing cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros” were dumped there, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on June 25.

There may have been around 100 “sabungeros” killed since 2021, on top of the 34 who were initially reported missing, as claimed by Totoy.

“I have instructed my staff to draft a letter to the Japanese government and to ask for their ROVs, remote operating vehicles, at ‘yung mga equipment na kasama nito para ma-map natin ang lake bed ng Taal para makita natin kung anong mga sediments ang pwede natin tingnan at istorbuhin para mahanap natin ang ating hinahanap,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview.

He said Totoy’s claims appear credible and are currently being reviewed by the police.

Remulla added that the alleged dumping of around 100 bodies into the lake reflects a case of impunity, noting that the wealth of those responsible seems to have made them forget the value of human life, and emphasized that such a case cannot be settled out of court.

“Kailangan talaga ma-pursue itong kasong ’to...’pag hindi natin ginawa ito, kawawa naman ang bansa natin. Parang pinabayaan lang natin na ang tao ay ipagpalit sa pera at ibaon sa limot…. Kailangan mahanapan natin ng hustisya itong mga pamilyang naghahanap at itong mga taong mismong nawawala…,” he said, highlighting the urgency of pursuing the case.

The Justice Secretary also believes that this is a landmark case, not just for the department, but also a legacy to the Filipino people, showing a commitment to justice and the determination to fight for what is right, whatever the cost.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Capt. Noeimie Cayabyab said in an interview on June 25 that although searching for the alleged remains will be difficult due to Taal Lake’s depth, vastness, weather conditions, and active volcanic status, 60 of their technical divers are now on standby in case the operation begins.

On June 23, the DOJ also confirmed that it had discussed with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III the possible inclusion of Totoy into the Witness Protection Program.