Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that human bones were recovered from Taal Lake during search operations for missing cockfighters last week.
Torre stated that mixed remains were found due to the presence of a farm in the area.
He explained that both animal and human bones were retrieved, prompting forensic analysis to distinguish between them.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said DNA samples had been collected from 12 relatives of the missing individuals.
The samples, along with the recovered remains, are currently undergoing scientific examination by the PNP Forensic Group.
So far, five sacks containing undisclosed contents have been retrieved by the Philippine Coast Guard from the lake.
One sack is believed to contain burned human bones found in the waters off Laurel, Batangas.
It may be recalled that in June, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed the 34 missing cockfighters were buried in Taal Lake.