The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed the recovery of human remains from Taal Lake during a week-long search operation linked to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), marking a potential breakthrough in one of the country’s most perplexing cases of enforced disappearances.

The retrieval mission, conducted from July 29 to August 4, was based on the sworn testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who claimed the victims were executed and dumped in specific sectors of the lake by a syndicate allegedly tied to the e-sabong (online cockfighting) trade, with the help of 18 rogue police officers.

Technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP Maritime Group focused their efforts on Quadrant 3, the area pinpointed by Patidongan as a dumping site.

Operating under difficult conditions—visibility near zero, temperatures reaching 31°C, and depths of up to 80 feet—they recovered multiple white sacks filled with what appeared to be bone fragments.

Six of at least 91 bone pieces recovered were confirmed to be human ribs, according to a forensic examination.

“This is a positive indication that the testimony of Mr. Patidongan is credible,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press briefing Thursday. “It gives us renewed hope for truth and accountability in this case.”

The operation utilized ground-penetrating sonar technology to assist divers in locating submerged remains. One of the sacks contained burned bones, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence before the bodies were discarded.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also joined the retrieval efforts.

DNA testing is now underway to determine if the remains match the relatives of the missing sabungeros, who disappeared in separate incidents across Luzon from 2021 to 2022.

Many families were present near the shoreline during the operation, holding vigils and calling for justice.

The case has raised serious questions about the reach of organized crime and the possible complicity of law enforcement in the disappearance of the 34 sabungeros, all believed to have ties to online cockfighting operations.

Patidongan claims the killings stemmed from disputes over gambling revenue and rigged game results.

Remulla said, “This is no longer just a case of missing persons. This is a case of mass murder, and we are slowly uncovering the truth.”