Gov. Vilma: Don’t Blame Taal Lake for Missing Sabungeros
VILMA SANTOS – The governor of Batangas has spoken out regarding the alleged connection between Taal Lake and the case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros, saying the issue has caused unintended harm to the province and its residents.
Governor Vilma expressed concern about the negative impact of circulating claims that over 100 bodies of missing individuals—believed to be sabungeros (cockfighters)—were dumped in Taal Lake. She stressed that although the news is unverified, it has already affected the livelihood of local fishermen who depend on the lake for income.
Santos said that Taal Lake is being unfairly dragged into the issue and emphasized that the truth behind the reports remains unknown. She added that even if the allegations are true, the events likely happened a long time ago. Still, the mere association is already harming the community, particularly those in the fishing industry.
She appealed to the public not to jump to conclusions or fuel panic, especially when people’s livelihoods are at stake. She said even the rumors are negatively impacting Batangueño fishermen and urged everyone to be more careful and responsible.
“So, kahit paano, sana huwag naman. Kasi kahit paano naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng mga Batangueñong mangingisda tsaka totoong nandiyan nga, you know. So huwag naman sana. Huwag naman sana,” she said.
The controversy stems from the claims of Julie Dondon Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” a whistleblower who alleged that over 100 bodies of missing cockfighters and drug personalities were dumped in Taal Lake under the orders of Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto.
Meanwhile, Taal Lake is a freshwater lake in Batangas known for its stunning scenery and unique geological structure. At its center lies Taal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Uniquely, the volcano sits on an island within the lake, with a crater lake inside it—making it a rare “lake within a volcano within a lake” formation.