The Department of Justice on Thursday confirmed a major forensic breakthrough in the long-running investigation into the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), revealing the recovery of a human skull, jawbone with teeth, and fragments of clothing from the bottom of Taal Lake.

The discovery, made during underwater search operations from 29 July to 4 August, is considered the strongest physical evidence yet in the case. It was made possible by the use of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and technical divers, based on testimony from whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

Patidongan earlier alleged that the victims were abducted and executed by a police-linked e-sabong syndicate, then dumped in the lake.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano gave a detailed account of the operations in a press briefing, explaining how ROVs and divers scanned the lakebed in areas identified by Patidongan. Although the ROV was deployed during the dives, it struggled to provide clear images due to sediment disturbances.

“Because it disrupted the lakebed sediments at sunset, the ROV failed to capture significant sightings. The video footage was unclear and disorienting,” Clavano said.

The breakthrough came during a second physical dive on 29 July at 11:12 a.m., which lasted 41 minutes and reached a depth of 88 meters. Divers retrieved a white sack containing a human skull, lower jawbone with teeth, and fragments of clothing, including what appeared to be a pair of underwear.

Clavano said the skull is a strong DNA source and was immediately submitted to the PNP Forensic Group for analysis.

High-resolution images of the skull and jawbone, as well as the clothing, were presented during the press conference.

This latest discovery adds to earlier findings of at least six bone fragments—likely human ribs—found in Quadrant 3, the area Patidongan identified as a dumping site.

The retrieval operation involved multiple agencies, including the DOJ, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and National Bureau of Investigation, using sonar imaging and coordinated manual dives.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla called the development “a major step forward” and said Patidongan’s testimony continues to align with the evidence recovered.

Authorities said DNA testing is underway to determine if the remains match any of the 34 men abducted between 2021 and 2022, allegedly due to their links to rigged online cockfighting operations.