Major breakthrough in missing sabungeros’ case? Charred bones retrieved from Taal Lake

National

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the retrieval of what appeared to be burned human bones from the lakebed in Taal during an initial technical site assessment on Thursday, July 10.

In a report by Philstar, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the recovered suspected human remains were stuffed in a sack.

“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,” Clavano said.

Clavano clarified that the DOJ still needs to confirm whether the bones are human remains by a proper forensic examination conducted by either the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group or by the National Burea of Investigation (NBI).

They will also perform a DNA test to verify if the remains belong to any families of the missing victims.

Clavano explained that the burned bones were found near the shore of the lake.

“So the working theory is either—it was washed ashore or it was dumped only near the shore in front of a public area,” said Clavano.

Whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan revealed earlier this week that the missing sabungeros were dumped in Taal lake.(Marlon Ado Jr., USC Comm Intern)