Authorities have confirmed the recovery of suspected human remains from Taal Lake, potentially linked to the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, believed to have been murdered by rogue police officers.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Monday that the bones retrieved from the lake include both animal and human fragments. “Alam niyo naman may farm sa lugar na ‘yan… Lahat ng nakikita natin, may animal remains, may mga human at mixed-mixed na ang ating tinitingnan,” Torre explained, adding that forensic analysis is underway to determine their origin.
Since Thursday, five sacks of suspected human bones have been recovered and turned over to the PNP Forensic Group. The remains will be subjected to DNA cross-matching with samples provided by the families of missing sabungeros.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo revealed that 12 families have so far submitted their DNA, out of the 34 missing persons initially reported. She urged other possible victims’ families—especially those who haven’t come forward due to the lack of documentation—to coordinate with the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). “We are not closing our doors… open po ang CIDG para kuhanan po sila ng DNA specimen,” Fajardo said.
The investigation gained new momentum after witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed that up to 100 individuals involved in online e-sabong match-fixing were killed and dumped into the lake by police officers allegedly working for a gambling operator.
Fajardo confirmed that three police personnel, including a lieutenant, have been dismissed from service, while 12 others remain in restrictive custody at Camp Crame. Patidongan is expected to file a sworn affidavit with the National Police Commission (Napolcom), naming those allegedly responsible.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier stated that “multiple witnesses” can now identify possible dumping sites in Taal Lake, which spans over 230 square kilometers.
If DNA results confirm a match with any of the missing sabungeros, Fajardo emphasized the gravity of the findings: “This will prove our earlier assumptions na talagang pinatay na talaga.”
