Up to 91 pieces of bone were recovered from the bottom of Taal Lake by the PNP Forensic Group, of which six are suspected to be human bones. According to Lt. Col. Edmar dela Torre, it takes five to seven days to generate a DNA profile from the bones, as well as cross-matching with the DNA of relatives of the missing sabungeros.
He said DNA samples have been collected from 18 relatives of the missing for possible matching. Once a DNA profile is generated from the bones, cross-matching will be conducted. The PNP Forensic Group also inspected their DNA Laboratory where the bones from Taal Lake will be processed.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard has begun using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search for missing people in the lake. The ROV is equipped with lights and cameras, allowing for greater underwater monitoring. It can also tow objects weighing up to 10 kilograms and can stay underwater for up to four hours.
It can be recalled that the PCG is already conducting diving operations to find the missing fishermen who were allegedly thrown into the lake. The PCG assured that they are conducting search and rescue operations carefully to find the missing.
