Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday that the search for the remains of missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) believed to be dumped in Taal Lake may commence within the week.
In an interview, Remulla stated that technical dives and bed mapping of Taal Lake will proceed despite recent volcanic eruptions. “We’re asking them to start this week. Ang basic plan natin (The basic plan is) we want to map it out and look at the condition so we can plan how to go about it,” he said.
Investigators aim to initiate searches in fishponds allegedly linked to individuals involved in the ongoing investigation. Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, previously claimed that the disappearances were orchestrated by a syndicate controlling the multi-billion-peso cockfight industry, which expanded significantly during the pandemic.
“Merong fishpond leased yung isang suspect na tinutukoy natin… Bali, ‘yun ang ating ground zero natin sa start (One of the suspects has a leased fishpond. That will be our ground zero to start),” Remulla noted. He expressed confidence that the clues regarding the site may be accurate, despite challenges posed by sediment layers and murky waters due to eruptions.
Additionally, Remulla mentioned his recent meeting with Supreme Court justices regarding an alleged lobbying group that includes a retired judge acting as a fixer for court cases related to the cockfight industry. “We exchanged words already about it. We had the initial contact this morning. They are investigating. They’re doing their job. Hindi naman sila balat-sibuyas (They are not being onion-skinned about it),” he said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Supreme Court to improve the justice system, stating, “Kaya (That’s why) we’re always in agreement with regards to how to improve the justice system. And the Supreme Court is the best ally that we have for this.”
