MANILA – In a possible breakthrough in the long-unsolved disappearance of more than 30 cockfighting enthusiasts, authorities have recovered sacks believed to contain burnt human bones from the lakebed of Taal Lake.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Friday that the remains were discovered during what was initially described as a “technical site assessment” by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“This discovery could represent a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The DOJ said the sacks were found on Thursday and Friday. One was reportedly located just a few meters from the shoreline.
“It was only a few meters from the shore. A CIDG team that was stationed on the lake shore, acting on information on where the possible jump-off point was, found the white sack not far from the shore. The DOJ and PCG teams were about 100 meters out and used a smaller boat to reach the shore to see what they had found,” the DOJ detailed.
Authorities initially withheld the information pending verification of the contents.
“The team decided to verify first whether it was human bones or not before releasing info. When CIDG made the determination, that was when we were comfortable to release the information,” the DOJ explained.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct further analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm whether the remains are human and if they match any of the families of the missing sabungeros.
“While we proceed with caution and diligence, it offers renewed hope that we are closer to uncovering the truth and securing justice for the families of the missing,” the DOJ said.
Authorities are also examining whether the remains are connected to allegations made by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, one of the suspects in the case, who claimed that more than 100 individuals were executed and dumped into the lake for allegedly cheating in high-stakes online cockfighting games.
Patidongan’s testimony earlier led the DOJ to name businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as a suspect. He had denied any involvement in the disappearances./PN
