More human bones found in Taal Lake as sabungero search continues

More human bones have been retrieved from Taal Lake as the search for missing sabungeros continues.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the recovery of additional bones last Thursday.

The recovered bones are being sent for examination by experts from the University of the Philippines and Japan.

Remulla noted that the dark, sunlight-deprived conditions at the bottom of Taal Lake aid in the preservation of the remains, with some bones still showing flesh.

The intensified search was initiated following claims by whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan that over 100 sabungeros were abducted, murdered, and disposed of in Taal Lake.

Earlier, authorities recovered a human skull, a suspected human hip bone, and human ribs, and from July to August, 401 pieces of skeletal remains were found.

The case involves the unexplained disappearances of several people involved in cockfighting since 2021, with new testimony in June 2025 alleging at least 34 sabungeros were killed and buried in Taal Lake.