Missing Cockfighters: Plan Underway to Dive into the Depths of Taal Lake to Retrieve Dumped Bodies

In this video, we take a closer look at the efforts to locate the missing cockfighters whose bodies were allegedly dumped at the bottom of Taal Lake. According to alias Totoy, more than one person was buried there, and there’s a plan to involve foreign nations like Japan, known for their advanced technology, to help search the vast depths.

The department is reportedly ready to spend significant resources, driven by the cries of the grieving families who hope to retrieve their loved ones. But what may surprise many is that it’s not the billionaire mastermind, the celebrity, or even the police enforcers that are blocking the search—it’s the lake itself.

Some people believe the reports, others remain skeptical. But the question remains: is it true?

While the case of the missing sabungeros remains hot in the news, speculation and rumors continue to spread due to the limited official information released. Families are simply asking for closure and to find the remains of their sons, brothers, and husbands.

Alias Totoy included in his sworn affidavit the names of those allegedly involved in this chilling case, including over 20 police enforcers accused of abducting and executing the targeted cockfighters. Unbeknownst to many, the perpetrators were meticulous.

The sole witness pointed out the exact place where more than a hundred victims were supposedly dumped. Retrieving them is no easy task—it would require foreign technology.

Explained PH reported that the Philippines has requested Japan’s help, asking them to deploy unmanned submersible technology to scour the bottom of Taal Lake. An official letter has already been sent to Japan, and the Philippine side is awaiting a response.

This news brought a glimmer of hope to authorities and especially to families who’ve endured years of sleepless nights due to the horrifying fate of their loved ones. The entire nation seemed to be uplifted by the possibility of diving into the lake’s depths.

But what’s not being reported by mainstream media is the methodology used by the perpetrators.

When we say methodology, we mean the layered, systematic steps taken to ensure the success of an operation. In this case, the enforcer team ensured a seamless abduction, execution, and disposal—leaving no trace behind. Each step was done without flaw.

Alias Totoy mentioned a method called “Killing Me Softly.” It involves using a Thai wire looped around the victim’s neck and a stick inserted at the nape to slowly twist and tighten the wire. It’s a slow death—silent and suffocating. Victims couldn’t scream, resist, or fight back. Even on a quiet night, no one would hear anything. Only the marks of the wire on the neck would remain.

Water was their ally. No knives were used—no blood, no fingerprints. No guns either—no noise, no bullet casings, no residue, no entry or exit wounds. The execution was clean. Clearly, these were soulless men.

Totoy also revealed how the bodies were disposed of. Corpses were tied in sacks filled with sand and dumped into the lake. Again, a meticulous plan. The bodies were not wrapped, allowing bacteria and fish to accelerate decomposition. Using sand instead of hollow blocks ensured the body would sink without the risk of floating up.

Once the flesh rots, bones separate. Since bones don’t float (they contain no air), this helps conceal evidence. The lake itself served as the perfect hiding spot.

Trauma services explained that hot water accelerates body decomposition. And where is Taal Lake located? Right next to Taal Volcano. According to ResearchGate, lake water there can reach 26° to 34°C, enough to speed up the decomposition of human flesh. The sun’s heat adds to this process. Even if the lake is searched, there might be nothing left to find.

ScienceDirect notes that saltwater slows decomposition since salt acts as a preservative. So, what kind of water is in Taal Lake—saltwater or freshwater?

Another major obstacle in finding the bodies is volcanic ash. Years of eruptions have left layers of soft sediment at the lake’s bottom—looser than mud. Bones would sink and get buried deeper. Digging would only stir up silt and cloud the water, making the search nearly impossible.

Totoy also claimed that the fishpond near the dumping site is owned by a uniformed officer—a police officer. This was another clever tactic. Because it’s owned by a cop, no one would suspect anything. If questioned, they could simply say it was a private business venture.

Neighbors wouldn’t dare speak up. And if the local Talisay police were involved, no one would investigate. Even if the diving plan is carried out, the lake is so vast and deep that it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially if they don’t know the exact location.

A look at Google Earth reveals fishponds near the lake’s shores. Bodies were likely dumped at the back, away from fish pens to avoid accidental discovery. If dumped near the volcano, there’s even less chance of recovering anything.

Explained PH concluded that Taal Lake is now a “dead water”—a watery grave—because of the many obstacles to recovering the missing sabungeros’ remains.

So what can we learn from all this?

Though families of the missing cockfighters may be hopeful due to plans of diving into Taal Lake, they are likely to face insurmountable challenges. Alias Totoy said the department is willing to spend and even asked Japan for help. But with the flawless and calculated methods used by the perpetrators, this promising news might still end in disappointment.

As the quote goes:
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Open your mind—and let it fully grasp the depths of the stories that history holds.