Batangas: Investigators will seek assistance abroad for submersible remote robots to comb the bed of Lake Taal after a whistleblower alleged that the bodies of missing cockfight aficionados were dumped there, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Taal Lake spans several towns in Batangas and, according to some accounts, is at least 100 feet deep in some portions. Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla stated in a television interview that he has instructed his staff to draft a letter to the Japanese government to request their ROVs, remote operating vehicles, and associated equipment to map the lake bed of Taal. This initiative aims to examine anything unusual in the sediments to locate the alleged remains.

Remulla mentioned that the revelations from a whistleblower known as ‘Totoy’ appear credible and are currently being evaluated by police. He emphasized that the cases cannot be settled out of court due to the number of victims involved. Remulla described the situation as a potential mass murder case, with 34 individuals whose families are actively searching for them, making it a matter of state interest.

He further stated that Totoy’s allegations of more than 100 bodies being dumped in the lake reflect a case of impunity. Remulla stressed the importance of pursuing the case to seek justice for the missing persons and their families.