TALISAY, Batangas — In what authorities are calling a potentially significant breakthrough, divers conducting an initial technical site assessment in Taal Lake on Thursday retrieved a white sack containing what appeared to be burned human bones.

The Department of Justice (DoJ), through Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, confirmed the discovery Thursday and announced immediate forensic protocols to determine the identity and nature of the remains.

What was meant to be a preliminary inspection turned into a major discovery, the DoJ said in a statement. The sack was visibly embedded in the lakebed and recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in coordination with the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).”

According to the DoJ, the next steps will involve a meticulous, evidence-based process, as follows: Forensic Verification whereby experts will first examine the remains to certify whether they are indeed human.

If confirmed human, DNA will be extracted from the remains and compared with genetic samples previously collected from families of the 34 missing sabungeros — cockfighting enthusiasts who vanished between 2021 and 2022.

Earlier, DoJ spokesperson Mico Clavano noted that scientific advisers believe decomposition in freshwater like Taal Lake may have slowed, increasing the likelihood that remains could still be recovered.

“This is the first time we’re dealing with a case where the victims have been missing for four years, but due to the freshwater environment, some traces may still be intact enough for identification,” he said.

Authorities conducted the dive near a section of the lake off Talisay, Batangas, identified by multiple informants — including whistleblower and co-accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan — as a possible dumping site. Witnesses pointed to depths reaching 30 meters, corroborated by at least three separate sources, Clavano added.

While the operation was initially intended only to assess water visibility, depth, and current stability, the discovery shifted momentum.

The DoJ, along with PCG, CIDG, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), now plan to expand the underwater investigation. Search and retrieval dives, supported by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and drones, starting Friday, 11 July, weather permitting.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered enhanced safety protocols, citing risks posed by Taal Volcano’s ongoing Alert Level 1 status, as well as underwater currents and potential typhoon disruptions.

The long-running case has gained renewed attention since Patidongan’s testimony earlier this year implicated gambling tycoon Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto, both of whom have denied involvement. DoJ officials say more witnesses have since come forward.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III warned the window for recovery may soon close. “The rainy season is here. Time is of the essence.”