The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will begin search and retrieval operations at Taal Lake on Friday, July 11, 2025, to locate the remains of missing “sabungeros” allegedly dumped in the area.

The operations were confirmed to reporters Thursday.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan received a formal request from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on July 9, 2025, for the mobilization and deployment of specialized Coast Guard units, including operational support teams, to support the DOJ’s ongoing investigation.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, has been tasked to oversee all operational and tactical aspects of the mission, including personnel safety and environmental considerations.

Admiral Gavan also directed the Coast Guard Fleet and Coast Guard Aviation Command to deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to support the search and retrieval efforts. Operations will commence as weather permits.