The once-thriving fish markets around Taal Lake have been plunged into uncertainty following a whistleblower’s explosive claim that the bodies of missing “sabungeros,” or cockfighting enthusiasts, were dumped into the lake years ago.
The whistleblower, in an interview with the Senate Committee on Public Order, alleged that victims abducted in connection with the high-profile “sabungeros” disappearance case were murdered and disposed of in the waters of Taal Lake. The statement, while unverified, has sparked widespread fear among consumers and is now taking a toll on the livelihoods of local fishermen and vendors.
Sales plummet in Talisay and Laurel
In Laurel, Batangas, fish vendor Gemma Malibiran said her daily sales have dropped significantly since the allegations surfaced.
“Dati, wala pang tanghali ubos na ang isda. Ngayon, inaabot na ng hapon, hindi pa rin nauubos,” she lamented.
(“Before, fish would sell out before noon. Now, it’s late afternoon and I still have a lot left.”)
Other vendors echoed her sentiment, saying buyers are now hesitant to purchase tawilis, tilapia, and bangus—staples of the local fish industry sourced directly from the lake.
“Inaalok namin, pero umiiwas ang mga tao. Natatakot sila dahil sa balita,” said Catherine Mendoza, another vendor.
(“We offer them to customers, but they avoid it. They’re scared because of the news.”)
Mayor urges public not to panic
Laurel Mayor Lyndon Bruce acknowledged the economic impact on lakeside communities but stressed that the public’s fear is largely based on unverified claims.
“Ever since the news came out, people started to think negatively. That’s why they hesitate to buy fish,” Bruce said in a local interview.
“But if something really happened, it would have been back in 2020 or 2021. That’s a long time ago. The fish now is safe.”
Bruce said he is open to supporting diving operations in the lake to verify the whistleblower’s claims if necessary, adding that his office will cooperate fully with any national investigation.
Health officials: Fish are safe to eat
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued an official statement assuring the public that fish caught in Taal Lake remain safe for consumption. BFAR spokesperson Nazzer Briguera clarified that tawilis, a native freshwater sardine, feeds on plankton and is not a carnivorous species.
“There is no scientific reason to believe the fish pose any health risk,” Briguera stated.
“Tilapia and bangus from Taal are also mostly farm-raised in controlled environments.”
The Department of Agriculture echoed BFAR’s assurance and has not issued any ban or advisory restricting the sale of fish from the lake.
Families of missing men call for search operation
Meanwhile, families of the missing sabungeros are urging authorities to conduct an underwater search in Taal Lake in hopes of finding their loved ones—or at least gaining closure.
“If there’s even a chance the claims are true, they should investigate. We need answers,” said one relative who asked not to be named.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Calabarzon is monitoring developments and may support an independent probe.
While the whistleblower’s account has yet to be substantiated, its impact is already being felt in the form of economic distress and community anxiety. Vendors around Taal Lake say they have no choice but to continue selling—while hoping the truth comes out and their customers return.
For now, local officials and health experts are urging calm, and reminding the public that the fish on their plates remain safe—unless proven otherwise.