Skeletons found near Taal Lake — are these the missing sabungeros?

Authorities recovered suspected human skeletal remains along the shores of Taal Lake in Laurel, Batangas this afternoon, amid the ongoing search for dozens of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as sabungeros.

Police Regional Office 4-A Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky confirmed the discovery of the bones in an area reportedly identified by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias “Totoy.” Patidongan previously alleged that more than 100 missing sabungeros were abducted, killed, and dumped in the lake.

During today’s retrieval operation, officers recovered a sack containing what appeared to be bones approximately 10 meters from the lakeshore. Batangas Provincial Police Director Col. Geovanny Emerick Sibalo said the remains were found on a vacant lot near the shoreline.

The suspected bones have been turned over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for forensic examination to determine if they are indeed human.

Personnel from the Department of Justice and the Philippine Coast Guard were also present during the operation. Authorities conducted technical diving and site assessments earlier in the day in the area believed to be the dumping ground for the victims.

The disappearance of the sabungeros has gripped the nation since 2022, prompting calls for justice and accountability from families and human rights organizations.