Authorities have recovered a staggering 401 human skeletal remains from Taal Lake as the search for the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) continues.
The figure was revealed by Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz, citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group, during a House human rights committee hearing on Wednesday.
“From July 10 up to present, based on the records of the PNP Forensic Group, 401 pieces of human skeletal remains have been recovered from 17 different locations by the Philippine Coast Guard,” Cruz told lawmakers. He added that the remains were found inside sacks tied to sandbags weighing the size of a 25-kilogram rice sack, used as sinkers.
PNP Forensic Group Director Brig. Gen. Danilo Bacas said that out of the recovered remains, 163 bone samples were cross-matched with DNA provided by 29 relatives of the missing sabungeros. However, the results so far show “none” of the samples matched, Cruz confirmed. Many of the other bones had already deteriorated and could no longer be tested.
To protect evidence, Cruz noted that divers immediately turn over recovered sacks to forensic authorities. The process of DNA examination takes about a week per batch of samples.
The search was prompted by the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” who accused his fellow security guards of abducting the victims. He claimed the missing men were strangled with wire before being dumped into the lake.
