Sabungeros Death Trail: Recovered Sacks in Taal Lake Match Whistleblower’s Account in Missing Cockfighters Case

BATANGAS, Philippines — In a disturbing turn in the search for the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recovered several sacks containing burned materials and suspected human remains from the depths of Taal Lake—findings that eerily match the account of a whistleblower.

Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, a whistleblower and former insider, previously revealed that some of the missing victims were tied up and stuffed into sacks before being thrown into the lake. This chilling claim appears to be supported by the PCG’s discovery on Friday, July 11, when technical divers found sacks submerged in the lakebed, one of which was tied to a sandbag and contained burned material.

More than 30 technical divers were deployed following a site assessment the day before. PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that three diving teams were sent to locations believed to be dumping sites of the victims, who have been missing since 2022.

The divers began their operations shortly after 7:45 a.m. Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of the PCG District Southern Tagalog, said the recovered sacks are now in the custody of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for forensic investigation.

In a related recovery on July 10, a white sack containing charred bones was found during the initial technical assessment. The Department of Justice stated that it is still being determined whether the bones are human or animal.

So far, five sacks have been pulled from the lake, several containing what are believed to be skeletal remains. Authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the victims or the exact cause of death, but Patidongan’s earlier testimony—once met with skepticism—has now taken on new weight.

The case of the missing sabungeros has shocked the nation since it first made headlines in early 2022. Despite ongoing investigations, no one has yet been held accountable.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier vowed to pursue all leads, including testimonies from whistleblowers, to bring closure to the families of the victims.

As the underwater search continues, loved ones wait in anguish, hoping the truth behind the sabungeros' disappearance will finally surface.