Skeletal remains, including skull with teeth, found in Taal Lake — Remulla

A new set of skeletal remains has been found in Taal Lake, according to forensic investigators probing the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed Wednesday.

The latest find — which includes a skull with a full set of upper teeth — is seen as validation of the information provided by a whistleblower.

Remulla said the remains were recovered on Tuesday and are currently undergoing examination at the crime laboratory.

“There was a remain found yesterday (Tuesday) and it is in the crime laboratory. May kasamang bungo ng tao at mga buto ang nahanap,” Remulla said.

When asked about the quantity, he added: “Parang isang set lang, isang tao lang ito na nandoon. I-examine pa yan.”

Remulla underscored the significance of finding a skull with teeth for possible identification.

“Yes there was a teeth in the skull. We don’t know if it has a lower jaw. May DNA pa yan eh, buo pa na kasama sa skull. Baka sa ngipin may DNA (na makuha) tayo,” he said.

He noted that the discovery was made in the same quadrant of the lake that has remained the focus of the search.

“It was discovered where we are looking. The quadrant where they are looking, it was there. They are not yet leaving the four quadrants where the search for the human remains (is concentrated). May maraming quadrant doon, hindi naman apat lang,” Remulla said.

He acknowledged the importance of the continuous discoveries.

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