More sacks were spotted in Taal Lake as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) began its search and retrieval operations for the remains of the missing sabungeros on Friday, July 11.
A day after a sack containing skeletal remains was found during the PCG’s technical site assessment, three teams of divers began search operations aboard three rubber boats and speed boats, in hopes of finding the remains of the missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts.
RH Jecelle Ricafort reported on Friday that the PCG’s technical divers found more sacks underwater, hours after the search operations began. Divers are set to recover the sacks in the presence of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO).
Whistblebower Julie Patidongan alias Totoy, previously claimed that the bodies of the missing sabungeros were thrown into Taal Lake, along with sandbags to prevent the bodies from floating.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Thursday evening that a team from the PNP - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in coordination with the PCG, retrieved “a white sack containing what appears to be burned human bones.”
Justice Spokesperson Mico Clavano released the statement, describing it as a “significant breakthrough” with the ongoing investigation.
“While we proceed with caution and diligence, it offers renewed hope that we are closer to uncovering the truth and securing justice for the families of the missing,” the statement read.
In an update, Ricafort reported that the bones found on Thursday would undergo forensic examination and DNA testing to confirm their validity. According to police, the bones were found 10 meters from the shore.
The DOJ also stated it would focus search operations near the fish pen allegedly rented by one of the suspects. According to the report, this is considered a possible ground zero.
PCG divers are dispersed into three search areas in Taal Lake near the said fish pen.
The PCG has yet to confirm the exact number of sacks found.
