MISSING SABUNGEROS - PCG, handa na sakaling ipag-utos ang pagsisid sa Taal Lake kung... | 24 Oras

Summary

The Philippine Coast Guard is gearing up for a search operation in Taal Lake, Batangas, after whistleblower Julie Donondon Patidongan revealed that the bodies of missing sabungeros were allegedly dumped there. The lake's vast area and depth pose significant challenges, but teams from the Philippine Navy, including Navy Seals, will be deployed to dive and assist in the search. Despite the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano, efforts continue, with drones also being used to retrieve underwater objects. While finding the bodies is important, the justice system affirms that the case will proceed even without recovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Coast Guard is prepared to dive into Taal Lake in search of the remains of missing sabungeros if an order is given.
• 😀 Taal Lake, located in Batangas, is a vast and deep lake inside a volcano, posing a significant challenge for search operations.
• 😀 A whistleblower, Julie Donondon Patidongan, revealed that the bodies of the allegedly murdered sabungeros were dumped in Taal Lake.
• 😀 The Philippine Coast Guard's Seaborne Patrol is already in action, awaiting orders to dive into the lake.
• 😀 Taal Lake spans 234 square kilometers and has a depth of 198 meters, making it more than twice the size of Manila and as deep as a six-story building.
• 😀 The lake's depth varies, with some parts reaching over 100 meters, creating difficulty in retrieving any bodies.
• 😀 The Philippine National Police (PNP) is securing the area around Taal Lake, preparing for search and retrieval operations.
• 😀 A specialized team, including Navy SEALs and technical divers, will conduct the search in the lake, with some divers able to dive as deep as 308 feet.
• 😀 A drone capable of diving to 100 meters will be used to assist in the search, potentially reducing the need for divers in some cases.
• 😀 The ongoing eruption of Taal volcano presents an additional challenge, but the area remains safe due to the current alert level 1.

Q & A

What is the significance of Taal Lake in the search for the missing sabungeros?

Taal Lake is considered ground zero for the search, as it is allegedly where the remains of the missing sabungeros were dumped according to a whistleblower. The lake's vast size and depth make the search particularly challenging.

What challenges are involved in searching for the missing fishermen in Taal Lake?

The main challenges include the lake's large area (234 square kilometers) and depth (198 meters), making it difficult to conduct a thorough search. Additionally, the lake's dark waters, due to the lack of sunlight penetration, add complexity to the operation.

What is the role of the Philippine Coast Guard in the operation?

The Philippine Coast Guard's Seaborne Patrol is prepared to assist in the search if a diving order is issued. They are already stationed in Taal Lake, ready to participate in the operation.

What resources are being deployed to aid in the search?

The operation will include technical divers from the Philippine Navy's Naval Special Operations Command, who are capable of diving to great depths. Additionally, drones capable of reaching depths of up to 100 meters will also be used to assist in retrieving underwater objects.

How deep is Taal Lake, and what does that mean for the search?

Taal Lake has a depth of 198 meters at its deepest point, equivalent to a six-story building. This significant depth makes searching for remains particularly difficult, as the deepest part of the lake is challenging to access.

Why is the Philippine National Police (PNP) securing the area around Taal Lake?

The PNP is securing the area to prepare for search and retrieval operations, ensuring the safety of the teams and preventing interference during the ongoing investigation and search efforts.

What is the involvement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the case?

The DOJ is involved in the case through its assistant secretary, Mico Clavano, who mentioned that the recovery of remains is not necessary to prove the crime of murder. The case can still proceed without finding the victims' bodies.

What is the current status of Taal Volcano, and how does it affect the search?

Taal Volcano is still in an ongoing eruption, but the alert level is at 1, which means there is no immediate danger. This allows the search operations to proceed with caution, but the volcanic activity is still a challenge.

How will the composite team approach the search operation in Taal Lake?

The composite team, which includes the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy SEALs, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will conduct a multi-faceted search. The team will utilize both divers and drones to locate and retrieve the remains, starting from a predetermined ground zero area.

What role will drones play in the search operation?

Drones will be used to explore deeper parts of the lake, potentially retrieving objects from underwater without needing divers. However, drones will not be the primary option for complicated tasks, such as retrieving sunken ships, where divers are still required.