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Advocates Philippines
Human Remains Found In Taal Lake Linked To Missing 'Sabungeros,' DOJ Confirms
Photo credit: PTV
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that human remains were recovered from Taal Lake as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of several “sabungeros,” or cockfighting enthusiasts.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that two sacks retrieved earlier by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers indeed contained human remains. Among the bones recovered were human ribs, he said in a briefing.
“There were human remains found today in Taal Lake,” Remulla stated. “This time, they were recovered from a specific area — a particular quadrant that was pointed out to us as a site where people were being disposed of.”
The grisly discovery comes as authorities continue search and retrieval operations in connection with the high-profile case of missing sabungeros, which has gripped national attention since the men vanished under suspicious circumstances. The DOJ and PCG have been working together to comb identified areas of the lake, following leads that suggest it was used as a dumping ground.
Remulla did not immediately provide further details on how many individuals the remains might belong to, pending forensic examination. He reiterated the department’s resolve to uncover the truth behind the disappearances and bring justice to the victims’ families.
Investigators are expected to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identities of the remains and determine whether they are linked to any of the missing sabungeros.
“This is part of our commitment to fully resolve this case,” Remulla assured. “We owe it to the families and to the public to see this through to the end.”
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information on the case to come forward as the investigation continues.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that two sacks retrieved earlier by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers indeed contained human remains. Among the bones recovered were human ribs, he said in a briefing.
“There were human remains found today in Taal Lake,” Remulla stated. “This time, they were recovered from a specific area — a particular quadrant that was pointed out to us as a site where people were being disposed of.”
The grisly discovery comes as authorities continue search and retrieval operations in connection with the high-profile case of missing sabungeros, which has gripped national attention since the men vanished under suspicious circumstances. The DOJ and PCG have been working together to comb identified areas of the lake, following leads that suggest it was used as a dumping ground.
Remulla did not immediately provide further details on how many individuals the remains might belong to, pending forensic examination. He reiterated the department’s resolve to uncover the truth behind the disappearances and bring justice to the victims’ families.
Investigators are expected to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identities of the remains and determine whether they are linked to any of the missing sabungeros.
“This is part of our commitment to fully resolve this case,” Remulla assured. “We owe it to the families and to the public to see this through to the end.”
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information on the case to come forward as the investigation continues.
Jul 17, 2025
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