Filtered by: Topstories

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Thursday that the search operation for missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, in Taal Lake will begin on Friday, weather permitting.

«Technical divers will commence search operations for the remains of the missing sabungeros, who are believed to have been dumped into Taal Lake tomorrow, July 11, 2025, if weather conditions allow,» the PCG stated.

The commander of the Southern Tagalog Coast Guard District will oversee all operational and tactical management, including personnel safety and environmental factors.

The PCG chief has ordered the Coast Guard Fleet and Aviation Command to deploy remotely operated and unmanned aerial vehicles to support the operation.

On Wednesday, the PCG received an official request from the Department of Justice to mobilize specialized Coast Guard units to assist in the investigation of the missing sabungeros.

Among the challenges search teams may face are possible bad weather, strong currents, and the threat posed by Taal Volcano.

Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano, indicating abnormal activity and the potential for sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and hazardous gas emissions.

A Department of Justice spokesperson stated on Thursday that authorities believe the remains of the missing sabungeros are in Taal Lake.

«Some have suggested that we may still recover remains. They pointed to certain factors, as we are now dealing with fresher water,» the spokesperson said in an interview.

«Previous searches were conducted in saltwater. Experts are advising us on what to look for,» the spokesperson added.

Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Justice, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted a technical assessment of the Taal Lake area on Thursday.

The spokesperson noted that authorities would not conduct dives on Thursday.

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing between 2021 and 2022. According to police, the missing individuals were allegedly abducted due to game-fixing or cheating in cockfights.

An informant and co-accused claimed that the victims had already been killed.

The informant named a businessman as the alleged mastermind and also linked an actress to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations.

Taal Lake

Taal Lake, located in Batangas, Philippines, is a picturesque freshwater lake formed within a massive volcanic caldera. It is renowned for housing Volcano Island, which contains the active Taal Volcano, one of the world’s smallest yet most active volcanoes. The lake and volcano hold significant geological and cultural importance, with the area’s history shaped by frequent eruptions, the most recent occurring in 2020.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, Philippines, is one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known for its picturesque crater lake and complex volcanic system, it has erupted over 30 times since the 16th century, with its most destructive eruption occurring in 1911. Despite its beauty, Taal remains a high-risk volcano, with its 2020 eruption prompting mass evacuations and ashfall across nearby regions.

Philippine Coast Guard

The **Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)** is the maritime security and search-and-rescue force of the Philippines, established in 1901 during the American colonial period. Originally part of the Philippine Navy, it became a separate agency in 1998, tasked with enforcing maritime laws, protecting marine environments, and ensuring safe navigation. The PCG plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s extensive coastline and territorial waters.

Department of Justice

The **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)** is a federal executive department established in 1870 to enforce federal laws, ensure public safety, and administer justice. Headed by the Attorney General, it oversees agencies like the FBI, DEA, and federal courts, handling civil rights, criminal prosecutions, and legal counsel for the government. Its creation followed the post-Civil War need for a centralized body to manage legal matters and uphold constitutional rights.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group

The **Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)** is a specialized unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) responsible for investigating major crimes, organized crime, and high-profile cases. Established in 1946, it evolved from the Philippine Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Service and plays a key role in law enforcement, focusing on complex criminal operations. The CIDG is known for tackling cases such as cybercrime, illegal drugs, and terrorism.

Southern Tagalog Coast Guard District

The **Southern Tagalog Coast Guard District** is a regional command of the Philippine Coast Guard responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in the Southern Tagalog region (Calabarzon and Mimaropa). Established to enhance coastal surveillance and disaster response, it plays a key role in safeguarding vital sea routes, ports, and tourist destinations like Batangas and Puerto Galera. Its history is tied to the broader development of the Philippine Coast Guard, which originated during the American colonial period and was formally organized in 1967.

Coast Guard Fleet

The **Coast Guard Fleet** refers to the maritime forces responsible for coastal defense, search and rescue, and law enforcement in a nation’s waters. Historically, coast guards have evolved from early customs and lifesaving services into modern, multi-mission agencies, often playing a key role in wartime and disaster response. The U.S. Coast Guard, for example, was founded in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service and later merged with the Lifesaving Service to form today’s fleet.

Aviation Command

Aviation Command, often associated with military or civil aviation authorities, typically refers to a central hub responsible for overseeing air operations, training, and strategic coordination. Historically, such commands have played crucial roles in aviation development, particularly during wartime (e.g., World War II) or in advancing aerospace technology during the Cold War. Examples include the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command or similar structures in other nations, which ensure operational readiness and air superiority. (Note: If referring to a specific «Aviation Command,» additional details would help refine the summary.)