"I have just signed a letter to the Japanese government, requesting assistance in mapping the bottom of Taal Lake, along with other necessary technologies. We must have a scientific approach, we can't leave it to chance," Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said on 4/7/2022.
Remulla's statement refers to 34 cockfighting enthusiasts who mysteriously disappeared in 2022, suspected of being abducted, executed, and dumped in Taal Lake, south of Manila.
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A cockfight in Laguna province, Philippines in 2022. Photo: AFP |
A cockfight in Laguna province, Philippines in 2022. Photo: AFP
Public concern in the Philippines over these mysterious disappearances surged after a witness appeared on GMA television, claiming the victims were murdered and thrown into Taal Lake.
The witness later publicly identified himself as Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a mayoral candidate, and expressed fear for his life. Patidongan said Charlie Ang, the man involved in live-streaming the cockfights, was the mastermind behind the disappearances. Ang denied all accusations and on 3/7 filed a lawsuit accusing Patidongan of defamation, threats, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Justice Secretary Remulla said many people can now "testify to the location where the missing persons were thrown". According to him, a group of 15 national police officers are under investigation for the alleged murders of the cockfighting enthusiasts.
The identities of the police officers have not been released, and the motive for the killings remains unclear.
Taal Lake is about a two-hour drive from the capital. The lake covers over 230 square kilometers and reaches depths of up to 172 meters in some areas.
The Philippine Department of Justice arrested several police and security personnel in connection with the incident in late 2022. Remulla said the missing individuals "may be dead".
Cockfighting is a traditional and legalized form of entertainment in the Philippines, especially popular in rural areas. Filipinos from all walks of life bet millions of USD on weekly cockfights. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the activity became popular online, attracting many people to use mobile phones for betting.
Before leaving office in 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte banned the live streaming of cockfights. However, the activity continues due to lax enforcement of the ban.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
