The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to investigate a chilling claim that the missing sabungeros may have been killed and buried in Taal Lake. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Thursday that the DOJ will thoroughly examine the statement made by one of the accused in the case.
“We’ll evaluate his claims carefully. We also have testimonies from other witnesses,” Remulla told reporters.
He noted that technical divers might be needed to search the lakebed, given the depth and difficulty of such an operation. “Taal Lake is deep. It’s not easy to dive in and look for human remains,” he explained.
An exclusive report by Emil Sumangil on “24 Oras” revealed that the suspect, known as Totoy, claimed the sabungeros—and even a drug lord—were buried in the lake. “They’re not missing, they’re already buried in Taal Lake,” he said. “Even if you dig them up, how would you identify the bones?”
Remulla said this lead could be credible, especially since there have been no other traces of the missing individuals. “When people disappear without a trace, it usually means no one has looked in the right place,” he remarked.
The DOJ continues to build its case and remains open to anyone willing to come forward with the truth. “We can’t just let this go—we have to find answers,” Remulla stressed.
He also acknowledged the anguish of the victims’ families, saying, “We owe it to them to exhaust all possible efforts to find the remains of their loved ones.”