BURNT BONES IN SACK FOUND IN TAAL LAKE — DOJ

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said  a white sack containing burnt bones was found in the vicinity of the Taal Lake.

The discovery of the sack came as divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) prepare to start Friday the underwater search and retrieval operations of the bodies of the missing “sabungeros,” who according to whistleblower alias “Totoy” were dumped into the lake.

Suspect-turned-whistleblower Julie Patidongan, or alias Totoy, has told government investigators that the “sabungeros,” who were abducted from 2021 to 2022, have been killed and buried in the Taal Lake.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said the discovery of the sack came during  what was only supposed to be a preliminary inspection. The white sack was visibly identified and recovered from the lake bed. When opened, the sack contains burnt bones.

According to Clavano, the bones will undergo forensic examination either by the National Bureau of Investigation (NB) or the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to determine if the remains are from human or not.  

Clavano said that once the remains are found to be human bones, authorities will conduct DNA testing to determine if there is a match with any of the families of the missing cockfight enthusiasts.

“This discovery could represent a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. 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 cockfight enthusiasts,” Clavano said.

“We don’t want to leave any stone unturned,”  he added.

According to Clavano, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is deploying its divers and specialized equipment for the operation.

He said discussions are also ongoing with the Philippine Air Force  (PAF) to expedite the transport of technical assets needed for the underwater mapping.

The families of the missing “sabungeros” welcomed the start of the government’s search for the remains of their loved ones in Taal Lake.

On Thursday, more family members of the missing “sabungeros” went to the CIDG office in Camp Crame to file complaints against the people involved in the disappearance of their loved ones.