UP Manila Receives Crucial Equipment for Custodial Deaths
In a significant step toward strengthening forensic investigations, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila recently received new equipment to aid in probing custodial deaths. This development, described by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun as a “modest development” in the National Forensics Institute’s growth, aims to improve the handling and examination of cadavers.
The donated items, funded by the Japanese government through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), include a mortuary refrigerator valued at P1.4 million, a body weighing scale, and a body cart. These tools are essential for preserving and managing bodies during autopsies, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of forensic examinations.
Enhancing Forensic Science with Advanced Tools
Dr. Fortun expressed particular enthusiasm for the new body weighing scale, emphasizing its importance in precise measurements. “We used to have a weighing scale for the dead bodies but it broke down. And it’s not that easy procuring equipment. We’re seeing these persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) emaciated but then that’s it, we just give an estimate of the weight,” she said.
This equipment donation marks an important milestone in the National Forensics Institute’s mission, supporting the university’s role in conducting thorough death investigations of individuals deprived of liberty. The Department of Justice (DOJ) formalized this partnership last year by signing a declaration with the UNODC, designating UP Manila as the center for high-standard autopsies on custodial deaths.
Future Plans to Expand Forensic Capabilities
UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee revealed that this initial donation is just the beginning. The institution plans to acquire additional equipment, including an X-ray machine, a CT scanner designed for cadaver analysis, and advanced DNA testing tools. These investments will further bolster the country’s forensic science capabilities and improve death investigations.
Since late 2022, the university has received referrals from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), starting with the autopsy of Jun Villamor, linked to the killing of journalist Percy Lapid. That investigation confirmed homicide by asphyxia, highlighting the critical role of forensic evidence in delivering justice.
Ongoing Challenges in Custodial Death Investigations
Despite the progress, Dr. Fortun noted challenges remain. “So this started in late 2022 but it still has to be worked out because right now the bodies are coming in trickles, and definitely, they got a lot more deaths than what they’re sending us,” she explained. The team has examined nearly 200 referrals from BuCor, uncovering disturbing patterns.
Many deceased PDLs suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and malignant cancers. Dr. Fortun emphasized the importance of institutional death investigations, stating, “Every case, every death, that’s institutionalized. That’s part of the entire death investigation system. You have to examine it. Not necessarily because they were killed.”
She also highlighted systemic neglect, noting the poor nutritional status and prevalence of TB among prisoners. “The fact that you’re seeing an emaciated prisoner, oh, that’s bad, just in terms of nutrition alone. And then you’re seeing tuberculosis … you have TB in jail. What about the officials working there? They go home, and they bring the TB home with them,” she warned.
Justice Hinges on Proper Forensic Procedures
Beyond the scientific findings, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer Rafael Souza underscored the legal importance of meticulous autopsy procedures. “Even if you do a very proper autopsy, if the evidence does not follow what you call the chain of custody, you don’t have a record of where the evidence has been, it might not hold up in court. Then the person who’s responsible for that murder can get away with it on a technicality,” he explained.
The National Forensics Institute’s ongoing development and equipment upgrades aim to ensure that forensic evidence can effectively support justice and accountability for custodial deaths.
For more news and updates on custodial deaths investigations, visit Filipinokami.com.
