In a dramatic turn in the missing sabungeros saga, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that authorities have pinpointed the suspected disposal site at Taal Lake, and are now launching full-scale operations to recover the remains of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Investigators received vital information from whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, who revealed that several sabungeros were abducted and brutally killed, with their bodies dumped in Taal Lake—some tied in sacks or with wire restraints before submersion.

Torre confirmed that specialized underwater drones from Japan are being deployed to scan the 560-foot depths of Taal Lake, supported by forensic experts poised to conduct recovery and DNA identification once remains are found.

Pending the success at Taal Lake, the investigation has expanded. Authorities are now surveying other potential disposal sites across Luzon, including fishponds and remote areas, after fresh leads surfaced .

In a bold move, Torre has placed 15 police officers under restrictive custody—including individuals whose names surfaced during the whistleblower’s testimony. Some of these officers allegedly received up to ₱2 million monthly in bribes from Atong Ang’s associates.

Meanwhile, Julie Patidongan is now under the Witness Protection Program, showing signs of cooperating with investigators.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has publicly stated that recovering these remains is a moral imperative, adding that even Supreme Court members are under scrutiny to ensure no one is above the law.

🔍 What This Means

The technical dive into the lake could produce evidence to brutally confirm or dismiss the deaths. If remains are located and tied with wire, it would heavily support the abduction-linked murder narrative.

Detaining police officers shows law enforcement is taking the case seriously and signals a possible unravelling of a wider conspiracy involving e‑sabong figures.

Family members of the missing sabungeros are watching closely, clinging to hope that this will bring answers—and justice decades overdue.