THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is exploring the creation of a dental records database to assist in identifying human remains recovered from Taal Lake.
Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano announced this initiative on Thursday, following an update on the ongoing search and retrieval operations for missing cockfight enthusiasts (“sabungeros”).
Clavano stated that the DOJ will investigate the feasibility of establishing a “dental bank record” to aid in the identification process.
This approach is particularly relevant given the recent recovery of a skull with a jaw and teeth from the lake. Clavano noted the potential for DNA extraction from dental remains, even dentures, to assist in identification.
The DOJ has already engaged the families of the missing sabungeros, seeking assistance in identifying personal items like clothing recovered from Taal Lake.
Additionally, Clavano confirmed that the DOJ formally requested the University of the Philippines (UP) to analyze recovered samples due to the limited capacity of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
While acknowledging the PNP’s on-site advantage, Clavano cited capacity constraints as the reason for seeking external assistance from UP’s Forensic Pathology Department, Anthropology Department, and the Japanese government. The initiative underscores the DOJ’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to identify the remains and advance the investigation into the disappearance of the sabungeros.
