The mystery behind the missing sabungeros — a group of cockfighting enthusiasts who vanished without a trace — has taken a haunting turn after sacks of bones were discovered in Taal Lake. But as the nation grapples with this grim development, a wave of accusations has surfaced, claiming that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) may have planted the evidence to cover something up.

In a strong and emotional statement, PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab shut down the rumors. “Our divers risk their lives in every dive, reaching depths of 40 to 60 feet. We are conducting this search and retrieval operation as part of a legitimate investigation, with full transparency and cooperation with other government agencies,” she said in a radio interview.

The bones found in sacks are currently undergoing forensic examination to determine whether they are human remains and if they belong to the missing cockfight aficionados. So far, five sacks have been recovered, each submerged in the murky, dangerous depths of Taal Lake, where poor underwater visibility and sharp terrain pose constant threats to the divers.

To aid the investigation, the PCG has deployed technical divers and plans to use a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of reaching depths of up to 1,000 feet. The ROV, equipped with a camera and robotic arm, is expected to enhance the operation’s efficiency and safety.

Meanwhile, 11 former intelligence officers assigned to the Highway Patrol Group have been reassigned to the PNP Headquarters Support Service, raising more questions about internal involvement in the case. Though not yet confirmed, sources hint that some of them might be among those under restrictive custody in connection with the sabungeros’ disappearance.

Amid concerns raised by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun over possible mishandling of evidence, the PCG clarified that some sacks were already torn due to the presence of pebbles inside and had to be placed in new containers to preserve their integrity.

The search continues. PCG is now expanding its search area using the jackstay method, moving 10 meters at a time to ensure full coverage of the lakebed. The operation remains difficult, but authorities are determined to uncover the truth.