Filtered by: Topstories
A sack containing bones was recovered by authorities on Thursday amid efforts to locate the missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts in Taal Lake.
According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras,” the skeletal remains were found at the side of Taal Lake in Laurel, Batangas.
In a separate statement, the Department of Justice said a team from the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), retrieved a white sack containing what appear to be burned human bones.
The bones were found near the location where whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan claimed the missing sabungeros were transported before being dumped in Taal Lake, according to Calabarzon Police Chief Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the 24 Oras report added.
The DOJ said either the CIDG or the National Bureau of Investigation, through forensic examination, would certify whether the remains belong to humans.
DNA testing will also be conducted to determine if there is a match with any of the families of the missing sabungeros, the DOJ said.
”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,” it said.
If the weather permits, the will start searching the lake for the remains on Friday.
PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan directed the Coast Guard Fleet and Coast Guard Aviation Command to utilize remotely operated vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to support the operation.
A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing individuals were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games.
Whistleblower and co-accused claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake.
He named businessman as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have the allegations. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News
