More human remains found

A new set of skeletal remains was discovered in Taal Lake, according to forensic probers investigating the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday.

The latest find — which included a skull with a full set of upper teeth — was seen as further validation of details shared by a whistleblower.

“There were remains found yesterday (Tuesday) and they are in the crime laboratory. A human skull and bones were found with it,” Remulla said.

He noted that, based on the initial assessment, the remains likely belonged to a single individual.

“It looks like just one set, meaning it likely belonged to one person. It still needs to be examined,” he said.

Remulla highlighted the breakthrough, thanks to the state of the skull.

“Yes, there were teeth in the skull. We don’t know if it had a lower jaw. It still has DNA — it’s intact and includes the skull. We might be able to get DNA from the teeth,” he said.

The discovery was made in the same general area of the lake that authorities have been focusing the search on.

“It was discovered where we are looking — the quadrant where they are looking. They are not yet leaving the four quadrants of the search for human remains. There are many quadrants there, not just four,” Remulla said.

He emphasized the importance of the latest discovery, saying it supports the tipster’s account.

“We can see how reliable the statement of our witness is that it was the area where the sabungeros who were killed were dumped,” he said.