The grim search for missing cockfighting aficionados, or sabungeros, has taken a disturbing turn with the retrieval of hundreds of human bones from Taal Lake, according to Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez. The ongoing operation, sparked by a whistleblower’s shocking claims, has brought to light a potential mass atrocity that is now the subject of intense investigation.
Martinez confirmed in an interview that a total of 887 human bones have been identified as part of the total remains recovered from the lake and surrounding areas. This grim count is the result of 35 out of 60 focused operations conducted between July 10 and October 12, 2025. He clarified that the overall total of recovered remains submitted for examination stands at 981 bones, a figure that includes three separate sets of human remains, consisting of 264 bones, recovered from a cemetery. The spokesperson emphasized the number 887 as the confirmed total of human bones retrieved from the lake itself, as per the records of Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz’s office.
The extensive search effort began after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan came forward with explosive allegations that more than 100 sabungeros were allegedly abducted, killed, and subsequently dumped into the waters of Taal Lake. These claims immediately launched one of the most significant and distressing searches in recent memory.
As the recovery operation continues, the legal front is also moving forward. A murder complaint filed against prominent figures, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto, along with others, in connection with the missing sabungeros, has been submitted for resolution. The investigation is attempting to connect the recovered bones and the disappearance of the cockfighters with the suspects named in the complaint.
Despite the large number of bones recovered, Martinez cautioned that the process of identification is still in its nascent stages. Authorities have yet to receive any positive results from the DNA analysis conducted on the retrieved pieces of bone. To aid in the identification, DNA samples have been taken from the families of the missing—a total of 33 families are participating in the hope of bringing closure to this unfolding tragedy. The recovery of so many human remains underscores the gravity of Patidongan’s claims and raises serious questions about the fate of the missing sabungeros.