PNP: No DNA match from Taal Lake bones
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday disclosed that no DNA profiles were extracted from bone fragments recovered from Taal Lake, which were believed to be possibly linked to the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the bone fragments were severely contaminated due to being submerged underwater for an extended period.
“Doon po sa mga narecover na possible human remains sa Taal Lake, medyo wala na po tayong na-extract na DNA profile dahil sa tagal nang pagkakasubmerge at kontaminasyon (In those possible human remains recovered at Taal Lake, we’re quite not extracted DNA profile because of being submerged for so long and contamination,” Fajardo told reporters.
Meanwhile, DNA testing on three skeletal remains found in a mass grave at a cemetery in Laurel, Batangas yielded usable profiles — two male and one female — but none matched the 23 DNA reference samples voluntarily submitted by families of the missing individuals.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Wednesday that a human skull, upper teeth, and other bones were recovered from a deep section of Taal Lake, the same area pinpointed by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
Remulla said the discovery adds weight to Patidongan’s earlier testimony regarding the fate of the 34 missing sabungeros, who were allegedly killed and dumped in the lake.
Fajardo confirmed that the skull and additional bone fragments were recovered on 30 July and will undergo further DNA analysis.
She also urged families with missing loved ones — even those unrelated to the sabungeros case — to submit DNA samples to the nearest police station for potential matching.
“For those members of family na may mga nawawalang kaanak, they can coordinate sa pinakamalapit na estasyon. Baka po may mag-match,” Fajardo said.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek answers in what has become one of the country’s most chilling and unresolved cases.
