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5d ago

Philippine Authorities Map Lake Taal in Search for Alleged Cockfighter Victims

Preliminary assessments will rely on witness tips alongside Japanese mapping technology to chart submerged areas before the typhoon season

Cockfighting survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers
The Philippine Coast Guard took part in search operations on Lake Taal, which spans more than 230 squar kilometres (89 square miles)
Philippine Coast Guard personnel prepare to depart to the site where the bodies of cockfighters were allegedly dumped in Lake Taal, south of Manila
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

Overview

  • Department of Justice, national police and coast guard teams began measuring water conditions and marking search zones across Lake Taal on Thursday
  • Multiple eyewitnesses have identified sites where dozens of alleged cockfighters were dumped following match-fixing disputes
  • Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla has formally requested Japanese technical assistance to map lake depths of up to 172 metres
  • Fifteen police officers are under investigation over mysterious disappearances and alleged killings in the cockfighting industry dating back to 2022
  • Officials warn they must complete groundwork swiftly before the approaching typhoon season complicates underwater recovery efforts