August 8, 2025
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has sought assistance from the University of the Philippines’ (UP) forensic pathology and anthropology departments and the Japanese government to examine the human remains recovered from Taal Lake, as part of the investigation into the case of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts).
This was after the Philippine National Police admitted on July 31 that it could not extract DNA profiles from the recovered bones due to contamination.
“The [justice] secretary has acknowledged the statements of the PNP stating that the DNA forensics or the DNA analysis could not be done because of the [limited] capacity or capability of the PNP Forensic Group,” DOJ spokesperson Dominic Clavano IV said at a press briefing on Thursday.
But Clavano said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla still believed there could be retrievable DNA samples, particularly from the recovered teeth and hair strands, hence the request for assistance from UP, through forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun, and from the Japanese government
“[A]s we all know, there isn’t just one method used for DNA testing—there are actually many. And we would like to bring in the best experts, the best minds, and the best technology to help us get to the bottom of this,” Clavano said.
Should UP and Japan agree to help, investigators hope to determine how long the victims have been dead.
“We’re still working out the details because they might get overwhelmed with the amount of evidence. Maybe [we can] provide them with the best samples that we have so they can start from there,’’ Clavano added.
6-day search
The DOJ official also shared details of the six-day search—from July 29 to Aug. 4—in Taal Lake led by the Philippine Coast Guard, including photos of the skeletal remains and other objects recovered.
The deepest dive was recorded on July 31 at 80 feet, he reported. There were also challenges in deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) underwater as Taal was “quite murky.”
Among the items recovered were skulls and bones—including a lower jawbone with teeth—a black piece of underwear, a shirt with a rose design, a pair of pants, mesh nets, and sinkers.
The recovered objects have been shown to the families of the missing sabungeros. The DOJ has yet to receive any feedback from them.
“If there’s any way they can identify the person, whether through the clothes, which would be the easiest, or through the dentures, or even the person’s size, if we can determine things like height in the future based on the bones and their density, then that would be very valuable information for us,” Clavano said.
If it is established that none of the items are of the missing persons, Clavano said this could lead to a separate investigation.
DNA samples
So far, 20 families of the missing individuals have submitted DNA samples. The DOJ is also looking at dental records as part of efforts to identify the remains.
The government’s search and retrieval operations were launched following a tip from whistleblower and accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
Patidongan—who is also facing kidnapping charges—alleged that the missing sabungeros were abducted, strangled to death, and dumped in Taal by a group of police officers allegedly on the orders of gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.
On Wednesday, Patidongan appeared at the DOJ but declined to speak with reporters.
The families last week filed a complaint for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against Ang, members of his so-called circle Alpha Group, and several police officers.