Over 880 human skeletal fragments found in Taal — DOJ

MANILA, Philippines — More than 880 human skeletal fragments have been found in Taal Lake during the search for the missing sabungeros.

In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, October 21, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez said that search efforts for the alleged remains of the missing cockfight enthusiasts continue.

He said that a total of 981 bones were recovered and submitted for examination, including 887 human skeletal fragments, from searches conducted between July 10 and October 12.

Among the bone fragments found were three sets of human remains consisting of 264 bones, according to Martinez.

The DOJ spokesperson also said that the department has yet to identify the remains recovered from Taal Lake.

"We cannot with accuracy say that there has been. Ang masasabi lang po namin ay the total number of reference DNA samples collected from the families is 33," Martinez said.

(We cannot accurately say that there has been [a match]. All we can confirm is that the total number of reference DNA samples collected from the families is 33.)

"So, reference lang po ito. No, at least we have basis upon which we can compare 'yung DNA that will be collected," he added.

(This is just for reference. At the very least, we have a basis upon which we can compare the DNA that will be collected.)

On Tuesday, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said that the murder complaints filed by family members of the missing cockfight enthusiasts have been submitted for resolution.

When asked if the DNA analysis of the bone fragments was needed before the case could proceed to court, Martinez said that it could still proceed if the existing evidence was enough to move to trial.

"Hindi na po natin kailangan hintayin iyung DNA evidence. It may add to whatever evidence we have now," Martinez said.

(We don't necessarily need to wait for the DNA evidence. It may add to whatever evidence we have now.)

"But if the assessment by the panel of prosecutors is that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, given what we have on hand, there will be no need to look into the DNA evidence or to wait for the results of the DNA examination," he added.

The search for the missing cockfight enthusiasts began on July 10, following the revelation of Julie Patidongan, who alleged that the missing cockfight enthusiasts were thrown into Taal Lake after being killed.