On Thursday and Friday, divers pulled up sacks from Taal’s depths, one holding what appeared to be charred human bones. Others followed.

The recovery began just days after whistleblower Julie Patidongan claimed some of the missing sabungeros had been killed and dumped in the lake.

He named names: gambling operator Atong Ang. Actress Gretchen Barretto. Both deny involvement.

The Department of Justice was quick to swat down talk of a witch hunt.

Undersecretary Raul Vasquez maintained that the investigation is not being driven by personalities or public pressure.

The goal, he emphasized, is to build a case anchored in science: Evidence that stands upright in court.

DNA matching is underway. Families began submitting samples Wednesday at the shoreline. 

Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said it could take up to 48 hours to confirm whether the fragments are human.

Secretary Boying Remulla has yet to announce who will perform the forensic analysis.