887 human bones retrieved from Taal Lake search — DOJ

Around 887 human bones have been retrieved from Taal Lake amid the ongoing search for the missing sabungeros or cockfighting aficionados, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said Tuesday.

In an ambush interview, Martinez said the remains were retrieved during 35 out of 60 operations from July 10 to October 12, 2025.

“The total number of bones recovered and submitted for examination is at the number 981. This includes 3 sets of human remains from the cemetery, consisting of 264 bones,” he said.

“And the total number of human bones as per the office of Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz is 887,” he added.

The Taal Lake search began after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped in the waters of the Taal Lake.

Earlier, the murder complaint filed against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and others over the missing sabungeros was submitted for resolution.

Meanwhile, he said that there are no positive results yet on the DNA analysis conducted on the retrieved pieces. He said authorities have taken DNA samples out of 33 families. —RF, GMA Integrated News