DoJ confirms human remains’ link to missing sabungeros

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has confirmed the recovery of human remains from Taal Lake during a week-long search linked to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts.

The retrieval mission, conducted from 29 July to 4 August, was launched based on the sworn testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

Patidongan claimed the victims were executed and dumped in the lake by a syndicate allegedly connected to e-sabong (online cockfighting) with the help of 18 rogue police officers.

Technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP Maritime Group focused their efforts on Quadrant 3, the area identified by Patidongan as one of the dumping sites.

Operating under extremely challenging conditions — near-zero visibility, temperatures reaching 31°C, and depths of up to 80 feet — the divers recovered multiple white sacks containing what appeared to be bone fragments.

Forensic examination has confirmed that six of the 91 bone fragments recovered were from human ribs.

Patidongan pointed to the group led by gambling personality Atong Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto as being behind the abductions and killings dating back to 2022.

“This is a positive indication that the testimony of Mr. Patidongan is credible,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press briefing Thursday. “It gives us renewed hope for truth and accountability in this case.”