Volcanic eruption ends day's search for bodies of Filipino cockfighters

Straits Times

17-07-2025

Find out what's new on ST website and app.
Since beginning the search, the Philippine Coast Guard has found five bags at the bottom of the lake, some of which may have contained human bones.
LAUREL, Philippines - Divers searching for dozens of murdered cockfighters in a lake south of Manila were forced to exit the water on July 17 when the volcanic island in its centre erupted unexpectedly.
The low-level eruption, which sent a plume of steam billowing 2,400m skyward from the Taal volcano, came a week into the search for the remains of people allegedly killed by rogue police
for their involvement in fixing cockfights.
'The (dives) were temporarily terminated,' an official involved in the search who spoke on condition of anonymity told AFP, adding a number of divers had been in the water at the time of the eruption.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the volcano had experienced 'minor phreatomagmatic eruptive events' just after 3pm.
The agency's Mara Antonia Bornas said the volcano had been at a low alert level since 2021 and that no major eruptions were predicted.
The divers would not be affected, and only the volcano island in the middle of the lake was 'under precaution', she said.
Since beginning the search on July 10, the Philippine Coast Guard has found five bags at the bottom of the lake, some of which may have contained human bones.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail
Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore
Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning
Singapore $7,000 fine for eatery chain involved in ByteDance food poisoning case
Singapore Bicycle wheel-inspired care model used to improve trauma outcomes in central S'pore
Life 11 new entries on Singapore's Bib Gourmand list, including three re-entries at Old Airport Road
Singapore NEA monitoring E. coli at Sentosa beaches after elevated bacteria levels delay World Aquatics events
Singapore 15 under police probe for sharing Singpass credentials used in scams
Police are conducting forensic testing to determine if the bones are human and if they match the DNA of the missing cockfighters.
Fifteen police officers are under investigation over the spate of mysterious 2022 disappearances in the country's huge cockfighting industry.
The case erupted back into the public consciousness last month with the televised appearance of a witness claiming to know where bodies had been submerged in Lake Taal.
Located about two hours south of Manila, the lake spans more than 230 sq km and reaches depths of 172m in some places.
Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of dollars on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.
Cockfighting, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte banned the livestreaming of cockfights shortly before leaving office in 2022, but it has continued due to lax enforcement. AFP