Remains in Taal linked to sabungeros case

Bones and fragments recovered from an exhumation site in Taal, Batangas may be linked to previously reported disappearances, including that of a female abducted in Lipa, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

Remulla said the recovery site divulged by sources was corroborated by the government.

He said it was one of the areas previously flagged by the police as a possible dumping ground of victims of extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

“There were remains recovered, and the area was identified by sources and validated by government assets. Some of the remains were linked to 44 individuals previously identified by the forensic medical team,” Remulla said.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) chief confirmed the police investigated the site where they believe bodies were buried.

In particular, Remulla said, recovered were items believed owned by the victims, such as lipstick and shoes. One set of remains appeared to be that of a woman and was consistent with reports of a pregnant female abducted in Lipa several years ago.

“These are not ordinary cases. Some of the remains were recovered back in 2020, after floating bodies were found in Taal. These were initially claimed and buried in the usual way, but the relatives did not identify many of them,” he said.

The DoJ, in coordination with police forensic teams, is seeking evidence to determine the identities of the deceased.

Remulla acknowledged that the forensic investigation was complex, especially since some of the bodies may have been buried for as long as five years.

He referenced a forensic doctor who suggested that some remains may be linked to victims who were abducted and never returned.

“We’re doing everything to obtain the best evidence possible,” Remulla said.

He added that some leads and data were retrieved through methods used in Argentina, where the authorities established the identities of recovered remains of victims of state atrocities.

The investigation involves coordination with the Philippine National Police and other agencies, including intelligence units, which help track down evidence, including license plates and vehicles used in the abductions.

The DoJ is also in communication with foreign diplomatic posts, including the Japanese embassy, for help in identifying foreign victims and related information as the investigation continues.

DoJ sole source of info

Remulla, meanwhile, said the Department of Justice (DoJ) is the only agency authorized to give updates on the ongoing search for the missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts.

He said the complexity and duration of the Taal Lake search operations, which cover a vast area of 240 square kilometers and is considerably deep, will take around six months.

Remulla cautioned against expecting frequent and immediate updates, saying the process requires patience and scientific rigor.

“This is a long and broad process. You are searching in a 240-square kilometer lake, and it’s very deep… that’s why we need perseverance and patience. We can’t keep throwing in new questions and new answers all the time because it’s a process,” Remulla said.

He said people want updates, people want interviews “day by day or by the hour but they cannot do that.”

“We have to look at the process that will happen in the next few months, the next few days, weeks, and months. There will be no instant answers to all the questions,” Remulla said.

He said recent discoveries, including human and animal remains, must be subjected to forensic examination.

Not in Alpha group

Meanwhile, a Leyte town mayor and cockfight aficionado said retired Police Gen. Jonnel Estomo was not part of the Alpha Group of sabungeros reportedly headed by Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy said Estomo was not a known figure in cockfighting circles that would qualify him to be a member of the elite group.