The nation has been shaken to its core after a team of elite investigators and forensic divers confirmed the discovery of skeletal remains believed to belong to several of the missing sabungeros in the murky depths of Taal Lake.
This horrifying confirmation came after weeks of secret underwater operations led by the NBI and PNP Maritime Group, based on whistleblower tips and recovered GPS data. The lake, long rumored to be a criminal dumping ground, has now officially become a crime scene — and possibly a mass grave.
But what’s even more shocking is that evidence recovered alongside the bones has linked the site directly to individuals previously under suspicion — Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto.
🦴 The Discovery: “Confirmed Human Remains”
According to forensic experts, the following were recovered from the lakebed:
Multiple sets of human bones, some wrapped in plastic and weighed down with concrete blocks
Personal items: watches, belt buckles, and a sabungero ID card
Burnt and corroded phones sealed in waterproof pouches — now under digital forensic review
“We’ve confirmed these are human remains. Early indicators suggest trauma consistent with foul play,” said an NBI officer.
DNA testing is now underway, but preliminary evidence points to at least 3–5 sabungeros — all previously reported missing in connection to high-stakes cockfighting syndicates.
📍 How Were They Found?
The breakthrough came after a protected witness (“Alyas Totoy”) testified that multiple victims were transported by boat during early morning hours and “dropped where the water is deep and the current is strong.”
Using sonar scans, underwater drones, and cadaver dogs on boats, the NBI team zeroed in on a specific section of the lake — less than 2 km from a private resort allegedly linked to one of Atong Ang’s former business partners.
🔗 Atong Ang & Gretchen Barretto — Bistado?
While Gretchen Barretto’s exact involvement remains under review, authorities revealed that financial transactions and communications retrieved from encrypted devices link her and Atong to the site.
Key evidence includes:
A deleted chat exchange recovered from a burner phone where “GA” and “A” allegedly discussed “disposing of loose ends”
A logistics receipt for fuel and boat rentals made under a dummy corporation registered in the name of an associate of Ang
CCTV footage from a nearby private pier showing individuals matching Atong’s staff loading sealed containers onto a speedboat
💬 President Marcos Responds: “No one is untouchable.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) immediately released a strong statement after being briefed by the DOJ and NBI:
“This is not just about a gambling operation gone wrong. This is about murder, betrayal, and impunity. I am directing the full force of the law to be used in apprehending those responsible — no matter how rich, famous, or connected they are.”
The President has called for:
Immediate issuance of arrest warrants for suspects now linked to the remains
Freezing of assets belonging to key persons of interest
Expanded investigation into other potential dumping sites
😭 Families React: “At least now we know…”
For the families who have lived in agony for over two years, this discovery, though painful, has brought the first sign of closure.
“Hindi na sila buhay… pero at least, hindi na sila nawawala,” said a grieving father. “Sana lang makulong ang lahat ng may sala — lalo na ‘yung mga nasa itaas.”
😡 Public Outrage Erupts
Social media exploded with reactions of grief and fury:
“They were treated like trash. And the powerful tried to bury the truth.”
“Lock up Atong. Lock up everyone who protected him.”
“This is bigger than entertainment. This is state-level crime.”
Trending hashtags:
#HustisyaSaTaal, #BistadoNa, #JusticeForSabungeros, #AtongAngArrestNow
⚖️ What’s Next?
DOJ filing multiple murder charges within the week
Interpol to assist in locating fugitives believed to have fled
Senate to reopen hearings, this time with live testimonies and name
Final Word: The Lake Gave Them Back
For too long, the sabungeros were dismissed as gamblers who vanished in silence. But now, with bones rising from the depths, their stories are finally demanding justice.
And if the evidence points where it seems to — no name is safe anymore.