MANILA, Pilipinas — Ang paghahanap sa mga bangkay ng nawawala na manlalaro ng kokyong alagad o "sabungeros", ang sinasabi nilang iniwanan sa Lawa ng Taal sa Batangas ay maaaring simulan sa loob ng linggo, ayon kay Kalihim ng Katarungan na si Jesus Crispin Remulla noong Lunes, ika-7 ng Hulyo.
“We're asking them to start this week,” Remulla told reporters. “Our basic plan is, we want to map it out and look at the condition so we can plan how to go about it.”
Remulla didn't mention which office or organization he assigned to start the mission.
When questioned regarding potential locations for the investigation, Remulla mentioned that the operation would begin at a "fish pond lease" allegedly owned by one of the accused individuals. This place will be the starting point for the search.
Earlier, Remulla mentioned he was thinking about seeking assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy for a technical diving operation in Taal Lake, after self-styled whistleblower Julie "Totoy" Patidongan alleged that the remains of the lost men had been dumped into the lake.
Remulla added that he still hasn't received a response from the Japanese authorities concerning his application for help. The application was filed just last week.
"Totoy" connects billionaire to the case. Prior to disclosing his true identity as Patidongan, known also as "Totoy," he was featured in news articles claiming that the sabungeros were murdered and thrown into Taal Lake following accusations of dishonest behavior in rooster fights.
On July 2, Patidongan identified gaming magnate Atong Ang and three more individuals as the alleged organizers of the abductions—claim which Ang has refuted.