Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said on 10/7 that the objective of the initial dive in Lake Taal was "to determine the search area, examine water conditions, and gauge the depth of the identified area." The Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Justice, and Philippine National Police are leading the underwater search. A coast guard spokesman noted the size and depth of the lake will be a major challenge.

National police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre had previously stated the urgency of the search, saying on 8/7, "The rainy season is coming. We are acting swiftly to at least attempt to locate the bodies. We also know that it will be very difficult."

The 34 cockfighters disappeared in 2022 and are suspected to have been abducted, executed, and their bodies disposed of in Lake Taal, south of Manila. Public interest in the case surged after a witness on GMA television claimed the victims were killed and dumped in the lake for cheating during cockfights.

The witness, later identified as mayoral candidate Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, expressed fear for their life and accused Charlie Ang, a man linked to the livestreaming of the cockfights, of orchestrating the disappearances. Patidongan also suggested the actual death toll could be as high as 100.

Ang has denied all allegations and filed a lawsuit on 3/7, accusing Patidongan of libel, threats, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Remulla stated 15 police officers are under investigation for the alleged murders, though their identities have not been released. Last week, Remulla requested technical assistance from Japan to aid in the search. The Japanese embassy in Manila confirmed the request but provided no further details.

Torre believes the Philippines has the necessary equipment to conduct the search. "We have a very developed maritime industry throughout the Philippines, so we can do this," he said.

Philippine coast guard inflatable boats participate in the search for the bodies of cockfighters in Lake Taal on 10/7. Photo: *Philippine Coast Guard*

Lake Taal is located about a two-hour drive from the capital. It spans over 230 square kilometers and reaches depths of up to 172 meters in some areas.

Cockfighting is a legal and traditional pastime in the Philippines, particularly popular in rural areas. Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of USD on weekly matches. During the Covid-19 pandemic, online cockfighting gained popularity, with many using mobile phones to place bets.

Before leaving office in 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte banned the livestreaming of cockfights. However, the practice continues due to lax enforcement.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, ABS-CBN)