PNP: 1,400 human bone fragments recovered from Taal Lake in missing sabungeros probe

Around 1,400 human bone fragments have been recovered from Taal Lake in connection with the investigation into the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

During a press briefing, PNP Forensic Group director Police Colonel Pierre Paul Carpio said forensic teams have been conducting extensive search and recovery operations in the lake since July 2025.

“We have 134 disaster victim identification operations. From those operations, around 2,000 pieces of evidence were recovered, including bones—both human and animal—as well as artifacts and other personal effects,” Carpio said.

“These were subjected to proper examination and procedures. After analysis, we have identified a total of 1,400 human bone fragments,” he added.

According to Carpio, the recovered remains underwent medical-legal examination, anthropological analysis, radiographic imaging, dental examination, and DNA testing.

He said identification efforts remain challenging due to the condition of the remains and the environment in Taal Lake.

Carpio said the water in the lake is acidic and contains minerals like magnesium, aluminum, and sodium, which can break down bones faster and cause them to slowly dissolve.

He also cited the lake’s warm water temperature, ranging from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius, which speeds up microbial activity and further degrades DNA evidence.

Because of these conditions, forensic teams have adopted a comprehensive testing approach, examining different portions of recovered bones to maximize the chances of obtaining viable DNA profiles, Carpio said.

He added that the PNP may seek assistance from foreign laboratories, including those in Japan, as well as from the University of the Philippines.

Arrest warrants have been issued against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and several others in connection with multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention in relation to the missing sabungeros case.

Ang has denied the allegations. A reward of P20 million has been offered for information leading to his arrest.—MCG, GMA News