A forensic pathologist has this to say about the bones found in Taal Lake.
Authorities have sacks containing bones found in Taal Lake, and an expert said this about how these bones can help the investigation.
More sacks that contain bones suspected to be human remains were found in Taal Lake, as the search for the missing sabungeros has officially started. Previously, during a technical site assessment, a sack containing burnt bones was recovered by the authorities several meters away from the shore.
To recall, the search was prompted after Alyas Totoy claimed that the missing sabungeros were dumped in Taal Lake.
As the first day of the official search started, the police and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spotted more sacks in the lakebed of the Taal Lake. The technical divers are focused on areas identified as possible dumping sites, which include a fishpond, which, according to the whistleblower, is the ground zero.
With the objects that have been recovered suspected to be human remains, how can this help the investigation? Can burnt bones still be used to identify if they belong to the missing sabungeros?
Forensic pathologist Maria Cecilia Lim was interviewed by ABS-CBN News, and based on the expert, the bones would have to undergo reconstruction first to determine how many individuals were found.
The physical deformities would be helpful to help them determine the identity based on the remains found, and this process could last two to four weeks. If the other methods won’t work, they can opt for another one, which is more expensive – conducting a DNA test.
However, this method can be done only if the state of the bones allows. The burned bones, just like what was initially found, have lower chances. The missing sabungeros’ previous medical records may also help in the identification process.
Lim reminded the family to prepare medical records and personal belongings in case DNA testing is needed.
Meanwhile, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang was the alleged mastermind behind the mysterious disappearances.
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