Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday assured the continued and thorough search for the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) at the Taal Lake through the use of the 'jackstay' search method. In an interview over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon at PTV, PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said diving search operations are ongoing, with five sacks recovered so far that are suspected to contain bones and rocks.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG is utilizing the diving jackstay search method to ensure a thorough search and aid divers through the murky depths of Taal Lake. This method involves the use of several jackstays or guidelines to create a search grid. In addition, divers are being deployed in locations suggested by intelligence from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other law enforcement partners.

Another operational challenge is the lake's depth, which ranges from 50 to 70 feet, necessitating the deployment of hyperbaric doctors to monitor divers for decompression sickness. The PCG is also set to deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of reaching 1,000 feet to aid in the search.

Recovered items, such as each sack and other suspicious items from the lake, are secured in fine mesh nets to preserve evidence and immediately turned over to the SOCO (scene of the crime operations) personnel to maintain the chain of custody. The PCG reiterated its commitment to the "whole-of-government" approach, collaborating with other agencies to deliver justice for the victims' families.