The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday confirmed that a total of 57 pieces of alleged human skeletal remains have been recovered in Taal, Batangas over the past two weeks, as authorities resumed search operations linked to the years-long investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Regional Field Unit 4A conducted separate retrieval operations on November 6, 17, and 18 after dive searches were temporarily halted due to recent typhoons and unstable conditions surrounding Taal Volcano.

“On 6 November, we report that 25 pieces of alleged human skeletal remains were collected. On 17 November, six pieces were then collected, and on November 18, 26,” Martinez said, noting that the discoveries bring the total to 57 bones recovered in recent days.

The remains will undergo forensic examination to determine whether they are linked to the missing cockfighting enthusiasts whose disappearance in 2021 led to multiple criminal investigations and congressional inquiries.

Martinez said the DOJ will release further updates once the examinations and cross-matching efforts are completed.