Manila, July 17 -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday confirmed that two of the four sacks recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from Taal Lake contained human remains.

"Two sacks were found, I don't know how many people," Remulla told reporters, noting that cursory examination of the contents showed that they were clearly human remains and included "yung ribs ng tao (ribs of persons)."

The other sacks containing sand were believed to have been used as weights.

Remulla said the sacks from the lake were located with the help of boatmen in the area identified by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy.

"Tinuro ng mga bangkerong tinuro n'ya (The location was pointed by boatmen identified b...