Manila, July 10 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday began technical dives and site assessment at the Taal Lake in Batangas for the search for the missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts).

In a situation report, PCG District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) Commander, Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, said the staging area, command post, and aerial drones to be used in the operation are already in place.

"We have equipment in place and we have initially established a staging area last night at ang mga hakbang kung paano ang gagawin (and what steps we need to take) about the underwater operations," Tuvilla said.

Tuvilla has been tasked to oversee all operational and tactical control, including providing operational guidance to ensu...