Human skull found in Taal Lake supports whistleblower's claims

A human skull with upper teeth and other skeletal remains were discovered in Taal Lake by the Philippine Coast Guard during the search for missing sabungeros.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has since recovered more bones and remnants of clothes from the Laurel and Talisay areas of the lake.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the discovery and expressed hope that DNA testing by the PNP can be used for identification.

The skull was found in an area previously identified by whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan, who alleges over 100 sabungeros were killed and their remains disposed of in the lake.

Remulla believes this discovery lends credibility to Patidongan's claims and suggests potential links to crimes beyond illegal cockfighting, including the drug war and death squad activities.

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022, allegedly kidnapped due to involvement in match-fixing.

Over half of the 12 police officers charged in the case have faced administrative complaints, according to the police Internal Affairs Service (IAS).