The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to render forensic assistance in examining the bones found in Taal Lake during the search and retrieval operations of the missing ‘sabungeros.’
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard on Monday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said he has ordered the NBI Forensic and Scientific Research Service (FSRS) to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend assistance.
Meanwhile, FSRS Assistant Director Dr. Romel Papa underscored that they have yet to receive materials recovered from the lake to be examined.
“When we have the evidence, we will be in a better position to render an opinion. For now, it is best to just wait,” he said.
Justice Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz is the lead investigator in the case, according to Papa.
The NBI assistant director said they already coordinated with Cruz as well as Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on the matter by sending forensics experts and investigators from Batangas and Calabarzon to render technical assistance.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla said they have already briefed the NBI about their operations and were awaiting an order to submit a formal request for forensic assistance.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III earlier said the PNP Forensics Group will examine the bones recovered by the PCG in Taal Lake to determine whether they are of human or animal origin.
