CONFIRMED: DNA TESTS MATCH HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN TAAL LAKE TO MISSING SABUNGEROS! What families feared has now been confirmed. Skulls and bones recovered from the lake belong to the long-lost cockfighters — and the truth is more horrifying than anyone imagined.

CONFIRMED: DNA TESTS MATCH HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN TAAL LAKE TO MISSING SABUNGEROS!

What families feared has now been confirmed. Skulls and bones recovered from the lake belong to the long-lost cockfighters — and the truth is more horrifying than anyone imagined.

Charlie "Atong" Ang, friend of deposed president Joseph Estrada sits...  News Photo - Getty Images


DNA Results Are In — And They’re Positive

In a chilling development that confirms the worst fears of dozens of Filipino families, authorities have announced that human remains — including skulls and skeletal fragments — found in Taal Lake have tested “positive” for DNA matches with missing sabungeros who disappeared in 2021 and 2022.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Division, the DNA tests conducted on recovered bones matched multiple profiles from families of the disappeared cockfighting enthusiasts, confirming that the victims were indeed among those abducted and believed to have been murdered as part of an illegal e-sabong (online cockfighting) operation.

“This is a breakthrough, but also a tragedy,” said DOJ Secretary Crispin Remulla. “The remains belong to real people — sons, fathers, brothers — who were denied justice and dignity for far too long.”

Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto, kinaladkad sa isyu ng mga nawawalang  sabungero-Balita


The Grim Discovery Beneath Taal

The gruesome recovery operation was conducted in coordination with Japanese sonar mapping experts, allowing divers to explore deeper sections of Taal Lake. What they found was shocking: human skulls, ribs, femurs, and zip-tie bindings — all located in a concealed drop zone near the volcanic lake’s southern basin.

“The bones were tied together with plastic and weighted down,” one diver reported. “It was clear they weren’t meant to be found.”

Some remains were reportedly found inside weighted duffel bags, buried under volcanic silt — leading investigators to believe that this was part of a coordinated mass disposal effort.


A Whistleblower’s Testimony Confirmed

This DNA confirmation validates the explosive claims of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who had earlier stated that over 100 sabungeros had been systematically killed and dumped into Taal Lake after being lured to “friendly matches” connected to an e-sabong syndicate.

Patidongan, a former insider in the gambling world, said many victims were strangled, tied with wire, and disposed of by boat under cover of night — with police officers and government officials allegedly involved.

“People thought I was exaggerating,” Patidongan said in a radio interview. “Now the bones speak for themselves.”


Families in Mourning — But Demanding Justice

Outside the PNP Crime Laboratory, families of the missing sabungeros gathered in tears, clutching photos of their loved ones as the announcement was made. Some collapsed upon hearing the confirmation. Others shouted for justice.

“We waited for years, hoping they were alive,” one mother sobbed. “Now we only ask for their bones — and for those who did this to be punished.”

The emotional weight of the confirmation has reignited national outrage, with the public demanding accountability from both criminal syndicates and government agencies that failed to act earlier.


Senators Call for Criminal Charges and Resignations

Following the announcement, several senators have called for full prosecution of those involved, including high-ranking officials suspected of protecting or funding the illegal operations.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, known for his hardline stance on justice, vowed:

“We will not stop until every mastermind, every accomplice, and every corrupt cop is exposed and jailed. These men were executed like animals. That cannot go unpunished.”

Senators also called for the immediate resignation of PNP officers previously linked to the scandal, citing negligence or complicity.


Is Atong Ang Involved?

Social media has again placed billionaire businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang at the center of controversy. Ang has repeatedly denied involvement in the e-sabong disappearances, calling the allegations “baseless and defamatory.” However, Patidongan insists Ang was “aware of everything.”

Ang has already filed legal action against the whistleblower for slander, while DOJ officials say investigations into alleged financiers are ongoing.

“No one is above the law,” said Secretary Remulla. “Not even billionaires.”


Taal Fishermen Claim They Knew Something Was Wrong

Local fishermen have also stepped forward, saying they witnessed unusual activity in the lake during the peak of the disappearances — including boats traveling at night, “strange packages,” and warnings to stay away from certain areas.

“We were scared,” said a fisherman from Talisay. “We thought it was drugs… we didn’t know it was bodies.”


What Happens Now?

Forensic teams will continue retrieving and identifying more remains. Officials say at least 12 more “DNA-positive” bones are pending confirmation, and diving operations will resume in surrounding areas of the lake.

The Department of Justice has confirmed that a mass burial with full honors is being prepared for identified victims, pending family approval.

“They were betrayed in life,” said Remulla. “We will not let them be forgotten in death.”


Final Thoughts: The Lake That Spoke

Taal Lake — long a symbol of beauty and natural wonder — has now become a graveyard of silence and secrets. But with this breakthrough, the truth has finally begun to surface.

Bones don’t lie. And the cries of the sabungeros’ families, long ignored, are now too loud to silence.