THE skeletal remains of cockfighting enthusiasts believed to have been dumped in Taal Lake may still be recovered, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
In a media interview, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said bones do not decompose in the same way as human tissue.
“Ang buto hindi made-decompose. ‘Yung buto walang pakialam ang decomposition doon, ang laman ang nabubulok lang,” he explained.
If the remains are indeed at the bottom of Taal Lake, Solidum said, decomposition would depend on the oxygen levels and location.
“’Pag wala nang oxygen, hindi na ’yan made-decompose. Mape-preserve. So depende ’yan sa lokasyon,” he said.
The DOST is ready to assist in the search and has marine instruments funded by the agency for fish and coral monitoring.
Solidum said they will consult with other scientists to determine whether these devices can operate in the lake’s murky conditions.
He noted that using underwater cameras would be safer than sending in divers.
“Yun ang mas madali kaysa mag-dive. Ang diving hindi safe. Hindi natin alam ang lalim e,” he said.
