Navy Stands Ready to Search Taal Lake for Missing Cockfight Fans

Elite Dive Teams on Standby for Recovery Operation

Following claims that the remains of missing cockfight enthusiasts (“sabungeros”) were disposed of in Taal Lake, the Philippine Navy (PN) has offered its assistance in the search and retrieval efforts. The murky circumstances surrounding the disappearances continue to draw national attention.

Navy’s Offer of Assistance

According to PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos, the Navy has specialized divers prepared to assist in the recovery of the missing individuals. In a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Alcos stated that the Navy is awaiting an official request from the Department of Justice before deploying its personnel.

Alcos confirmed that the divers would be drawn from the Naval Special Operations Command, considered the Navy’s elite unit. “They can be dispatched anytime, anywhere, any place,” Alcos assured.

Typically, the PN dispatches three four-person teams for technical diving operations, according to Alcos. The offer of assistance comes as families of the missing individuals seek closure and answers regarding the disappearances.

Details of the Case

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, testified that a syndicate controlling the lucrative cockfighting industry ordered the disappearances. Reportedly, this syndicate, called the Alpha group, comprised 20 influential investors and businessmen who managed all aspects of the cockfighting operations, which saw a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic when it moved online.

Scope of the Disappearances

Between 2021 and 2022, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts were reported missing. Investigators believe the victims were likely kidnapped and punished for allegedly cheating in cockfighting games. In 2023, the FBI reported over 4,500 missing persons cases were closed due to location (83%), or other reasons (FBI, 2023).