Batangas: The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed full confidence in the organization's Forensic Group to resolve the years-long mystery of the missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts) following the discovery of 1,400 human bone fragments in Taal Lake, Batangas.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated in a press release that identifying the bone fragments is a challenging task, but he is confident in the expertise and capability of the PNP Forensic Group. Nartatez has instructed forensic teams to mobilize all specialized personnel and utilize the PNP's advanced DNA technologies to expedite the examination process.

He also instructed police units in CALABARZON to strictly secure the recovery site to ensure that no evidence is compromised.

The PNP Forensic Group reported that approximately 1,400 of the roughly 2,000 bone fragments recovered from Taal Lake have been identified as human remains in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts.

All recovered bones are undergoing medico-legal, anthropological, radiographic imaging, dental, and DNA examinations. However, the process is still ongoing and has not yet reached completion.

The group has not yet confirmed whether DNA profiles from the remains match any of the reported victims. They cited challenges posed by environmental conditions in Taal Lake, such as sulfuric acid, high temperatures, and mineral content, which may have degraded the evidence.

Nartatez acknowledged the prolonged wait endured by families seeking answers and assured them that investigators are working diligently to identify the recovered bones and determine possible links to the missing "sabungeros" case.

He emphasized the PNP's commitment to meticulously process every fragment to provide the families with the definitive truth and justice that has been delayed for far too long.