Authorities investigating the case of 34 missing cockfighters (sabungeros) made a significant breakthrough on Thursday, July 10, with the discovery of a sack filled with what appeared to be blackened, possibly burned bones, near the shoreline of Taal Lake in Batangas.
The site matched whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s claims of being a dumpsite for the victims’ remains.
Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, regional director of the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A), said the sack contained “blackened and irregularly shaped” materials although he could not immediately determine if they were bones of human beings or animals.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) turned the sack over to Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for forensic analysis.
Investigators remain cautious as they proceed with DNA testing to potentially match them with the families of the missing sabungeros.
The PCG initiated technical dive operations in five strategic areas around the lake: Talisay, Laurel, San Nicolas, Balete, and San Agoncillo.
Search and retrieval operations resumed on July 11, with 13 PCG divers deployed near Barangay Balakikong in Laurel.
Initial dives reached depths of 16 to 21,8 meters but yielded no additional findings. A second dive was scheduled for the afternoon.
PCG spokesperson Captain Neomie Cayabyab said that weather and underwater visibility posed operational challenges.
Among the challenges being faced by the PCG divers were the rough sea conditions, the Alert Level 1 raised on Taal Volcano due to signs of volcanic unrest, and the sheer size of Taal Lake.
The divers were also informed of the risks that they had to face as the arsenic levels in Taal Lake have been found to be elevated in certain areas, particularly following the 2020 eruption.
Medical experts said that exposure to arsenic-contaminated water may pose health risks.
The search continues as authorities await the results of forensic and DNA testing to determine the origin and identity of the discovered materials.
The DOJ said investigators will proceed with caution and diligence as it expressed hopes that the probe will be closer to uncovering the truth and securing justice for the families of the victims. (Martin Sadongdong, Jeffrey Damicog)
