18-07-2025
Taal Lake ops for missing sabungeros suspended due to bad weather
Search and retrieval operation for the missing sabungeros at Taal Lake was temporarily suspended on Friday due to inclement weather, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Justice spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said the operation was suspended at 9:29 a.m.
'Coast Guard Underwater Search Operations utilizing its Tech Divers and ROV was temporarily placed on standby due to continuous rainfall and surface runoff from the nearby river,' he said in a statement.
'Elevated turbidity levels significantly reduced underwater visibility, resulting in unfavorable condition for the conduct of any diving operations,' he added.
Earlier, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in over 10 areas in Luzon as Tropical Storm Crising slightly intensified approaching Cagayan and Babuyan Islands.
Crising is expected to make landfall over Cagayan or Babuyan Islands on Friday afternoon or evening.
Last week, authorities started searching Taal Lake for the remains of the missing sabungeros. This came after whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped at Taal Lake.
On Thursday, authorities recovered what appeared to be human ribs from the lake. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
