MISSING SABUNGEROS Updates (July 14, 2025) | 24 Oras

Summary

The case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) has taken a new turn with the recovery of human remains from Taal Lake. Several sacks of bones have been found, with DNA testing underway to confirm their identities. Whistleblower Julie Patidongan and families of the missing are pushing for justice, revealing that police officers might be involved in the disappearances. As the investigation deepens, the Department of Justice is exploring connections between the killings, drug war death squads, and other criminal activities. The state seeks justice for the victims, despite challenges from political interference.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human remains have been discovered in Taal Lake, some confirmed to be human, sparking further investigations into the disappearance of missing sabungeros (cockfighters).
• 😀 DNA samples from relatives of missing individuals are being compared with the recovered remains to identify possible matches.
• 😀 Five sacks of bones were recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard as part of an ongoing search for the missing fishermen.
• 😀 Witness Julie Patidongan claims that the missing individuals were thrown into Taal Lake after being transported there, which aligns with the discovery of the remains.
• 😀 Some remains found in the lake are mixed with animal bones, making it challenging to confirm their origin without further forensic analysis.
• 😀 34 sabungeros went missing between April 2021 and January 2022, though some estimates suggest the number could be as high as 100.
• 😀 The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working on matching DNA samples from relatives of the missing individuals to the recovered remains, although this is a technical and time-consuming process.
• 😀 The mother of one of the missing sabungeros, Edgar Malaka, expressed hope that DNA tests would help bring closure to the families and prove that their loved ones were victims of foul play.
• 😀 The investigation is also looking into the involvement of several active and retired PNP personnel in the disappearances, with potential legal actions expected.
• 😀 There are claims that police officers involved in the disappearances were part of a larger network related to illegal activities, including potential ties to the drug trade.
• 😀 The Department of Justice (DOJ) is strengthening its case against those allegedly involved in the disappearances, with the possibility of murder, kidnapping, and violations of international humanitarian law being explored.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the investigation discussed in the script?

The main focus is the investigation into the disappearance of 34 sabungeros (cockfighters), with the discovery of human bones in Taal Lake and DNA matching to determine if these remains belong to the missing individuals.

How many sacks of bones have been recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard so far?

Five sacks of bones have been recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard personnel during their search for the missing fishermen in Taal Lake.

What is the role of whistleblower Julie Patidongan in this case?

Julie Patidongan, a whistleblower, provided critical information about the whereabouts where the missing fishermen were allegedly dumped into Taal Lake. Her testimony has led to the discovery of the remains.

What challenges are the divers facing in their search operations in Taal Lake?

The divers face challenges such as low visibility, the cold water temperature, and the difficulty of navigating the muddy lake bottom, especially when diving to depths of 50 to 60 feet.

How is the Philippine Coast Guard assisting the search with advanced technology?

The Coast Guard is using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to assist the divers in the search operations. These vehicles can operate for several hours, helping to avoid exhausting the technical divers.

What is the expected outcome when a DNA match is made with the recovered bones?

If a DNA match is made with the recovered bones, it will provide proof that the missing sabungeros were killed, which would strengthen the case against those responsible for their disappearance.

How many relatives of the missing sabungeros have already provided DNA samples?

Twelve relatives of the missing sabungeros have already provided their DNA samples to be compared with the recovered remains.

What legal actions are being taken against the police officers involved in the disappearance of the sabungeros?

An administrative complaint has been filed against several police officers, including retired and active members of the PNP, for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of the sabungeros. The investigation is ongoing.

What role is the Department of Justice (DOJ) playing in this case?

The DOJ is investigating the case, strengthening the case buildup, and examining whether the killings are linked to drug war-related death squads or other criminal activities.

How do the relatives of the missing sabungeros feel about the ongoing investigation?

The relatives are hopeful but also emotional. They seek justice and express dissatisfaction with the lack of accountability so far. They are also advocating for the prevention of corruption or whitewashing in the investigation process.