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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bad weather halts Taal Lake search for remains of 'sabungeros' -- DOJ

Bad weather halts Taal Lake search for remains of 'sabungeros' -- DOJ

Published Jul 18, 2025 01:58 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended its search operations for the remains of the missing “sabungeros” in Taal Lake in Batangas due to bad weather.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said that at around 9:29 a.m. Friday, July 18, the Coast Guard Underwater Search Operations utilizing its Tech Divers and ROV (remotely operated vehicle) were temporarily placed on standby due to continuous rainfall and surface runoff from the nearby river.
Clavano said that “elevated turbidity levels significantly reduced underwater visibility resulting in unfavorable conditions for the conduct of any diving operations.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised storm warnings last Thursday, July 17, due to the entry of tropical depression “Crising” which could intensify into a tropical storm.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said that searchers recovered from Taal Lake two sacks which contained human skeletal remains.
Remulla said the recovery was significant because it gave credence to the statement of an accused and whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan who said that the remains of the “sabungeros” were dumped into Taal Lake.
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