Human Bones Found in Taal Search: PNP

Ex-NCRPO chief among 12 cops linked to case of sabungeros

- By Mark Ernest Villeza

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that some of the bones recovered from Taal Lake are of human origin.

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the remains are undergoing forensic examination at Camp Crame after being retrieved by technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"We have confirmed that there are human remains among those recovered. We are now in the process of identifying them and cross-matching DNA samples with those collected from the families of the missing sabungeros," Torre said at a news briefing yesterday.

He said some of the remains were transported to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office in Calabarzon to fast-track the processing.

The PNP had previously said that both animal and human bones were found during the search operations.

Torre said yesterday that forensic experts are working to differentiate the two and isolate those confirmed to be human for DNA comparison.

He also said the Department of Justice (DOJ) remains the lead agency handling the case, while the PNP is providing full technical and logistical support.

"The cross-matching process is technical but relatively fast once complications are ruled out. However, we cannot commit to an exact timeline," Torre said.

At a separate press briefing, PNP spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Jean Fajardo said the DNA samples from at least 12 families of missing sabungeros have already been collected. These samples will be compared with the confirmed human remains.

"If a DNA match is found, it would be a major breakthrough in the case and provide long-awaited closure to the families," Fajardo said.

She added that while 34 cases are currently being handled by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias "Totoy," has claimed that the number of victims may exceed 100.