Taal Lake
THE Philippines has formally requested assistance from the Japanese government in the search for the remains of missing cockfighters allegedly disposed of in Taal Lake, Batangas.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla confirmed that the letter seeks Japan’s expertise in seabed mapping and other advanced technologies crucial for underwater search operations.
Remulla stated, “I just signed a letter for the Japanese government asking for assistance to conduct seabed mapping and utilize other technological capabilities.” The move underscores the challenges posed by the underwater search and the need for specialized equipment and expertise to locate the missing individuals.
Meanwhile, Secretary Remulla also revealed that 15 police officers implicated in the case have been placed on restricted duty. This means they will be confined to office work and prohibited from participating in field operations.
According to whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, these 15 officers allegedly acted as “executioners” in the killings of the missing sabungeros.
The restricted duty status is a precautionary measure pending the ongoing investigation, preventing potential interference with the search and investigation processes.
The Philippines’ request for Japanese assistance and the restricted duty status of the implicated police officers highlight the seriousness of the ongoing investigation and the government’s commitment to resolving the case.
