Authorities discovered what appeared to be burned human bones inside a white sack retrieved from the shoreline of Taal Lake during a preliminary site assessment on July 10, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the finding could be a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the missing sabungeros, offering renewed hope for justice.
Forensic examinations and DNA testing will be conducted to verify if the remains are human and to identify if they belong to any of the missing individuals.
The initial search began on July 10, with official dive operations by the Philippine Coast Guard set to start on July 11.
The discovery follows allegations by a whistleblower that the missing men were executed and dumped into the lake, prompting expanded search efforts involving the Philippine Navy and other agencies.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 11, 2025
