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A bag of bones was discovered by authorities on Thursday during a search for missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts at Taal Lake.

Skeletal remains were found on the lakeshore in Laurel, Batangas.

In a separate statement, the Department of Justice reported that a team from the Philippine National Police — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), found a white bag containing what appeared to be charred human bones.

According to reports, the bones were discovered near the area where an informant claimed the missing sabungeros were transported before being dumped into Taal Lake.

The DOJ stated that either the CIDG or the National Bureau of Investigation will conduct a forensic examination to confirm whether the remains are human.

DNA analysis will also be performed to determine if there is a match with any of the families of the missing sabungeros, the DOJ added.

This discovery could be a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. While we are proceeding with caution and thoroughness, it provides new hope that we are closer to uncovering the truth and delivering justice for the families of the missing.

Weather permitting, search operations for additional remains in the lake will begin on Friday.

The PCG has deployed remotely operated vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to support the operation.

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts were reported missing between 2021 and 2022. According to police, the disappearances were allegedly linked to game-fixing or cheating in cockfights.

A whistleblower and state witness claims the victims were already buried in Taal Lake.

The whistleblower implicated a businessman as the mastermind and also connected actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations.

Taal Lake

Taal Lake, located in the Philippines’ Batangas province, is a picturesque freshwater lake formed within a massive volcanic caldera. It is renowned for housing Taal Volcano, one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes, which sits on an island within the lake. The area has a rich geological history, with the current lake and volcano being remnants of a much larger prehistoric eruption.

Laurel, Batangas

Laurel is a municipality in Batangas, Philippines, known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to the iconic Taal Volcano. Historically, it was part of the larger town of Talisay before becoming an independent municipality in 1969. Today, Laurel is recognized for its agricultural products, particularly coffee, and as a gateway for tourists visiting Taal Volcano and Lake.

Philippine National Police — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group

The **Philippine National Police — Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG)** is the primary investigative arm of the Philippine National Police, responsible for handling major crimes such as organized crime, cybercrime, and high-profile cases. Established in 1991 under Republic Act 6975, it evolved from earlier investigative units like the Philippine Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Service. The CIDG plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order by conducting specialized investigations and operations nationwide.

Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a maritime security agency under the Department of Transportation, established in 1967 to enforce maritime laws, ensure safety at sea, and protect the marine environment. Originally part of the Philippine Navy, it became a separate civilian organization in 1998. The PCG plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, anti-piracy efforts, and safeguarding the country’s extensive coastal waters.

National Bureau of Investigation

The **National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)** is the primary investigative agency of the Philippines, established in 1936 under the Department of Justice. Modeled after the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it handles major criminal cases, forensic analysis, and intelligence operations. Over the years, the NBI has played a key role in high-profile investigations, counterterrorism, and combating organized crime in the country.

Department of Justice

The **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)** is a federal executive department established in 1870 to enforce federal laws, ensure public safety, and administer justice. Headed by the Attorney General, it oversees agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, handling civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and legal policy. Its creation followed the post-Civil War need for a centralized legal authority to uphold constitutional rights and federal statutes.

Gretchen Barretto

Gretchen Barretto is a well-known Filipino actress, singer, and socialite, rather than a place or cultural site. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a prominent celebrity in Philippine entertainment and has been a public figure for decades. While not a physical location, her influence in Philippine pop culture and high society has made her a notable personality in the country.