Independent DNA test needed for Kulot’s remains —forensic expert

A forensic expert on Wednesday said that the remains of 14-year-old Reynaldo "Kulot" de Guzman should be subjected to an independent DNA test from a private laboratory in order to remove all doubts on his identity.

"Nag-aaway kasi itong PNP (Philippine National Police) at tsaka PAO (Public Attorney's Office), kailangan magpakonsulta, kumuha sila ng independent laboratory agency or agent. Halimbawa, sa abroad o dito sa atin, private hospital," Dr. Leo Olarte, former president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), said in an interview on radio dzBB.

"This is a case with high public interest. Dapat it should be subjected into an independent private investigation," Olarte added.

Olarte said that the government should cover for the cost of the DNA test if and when the family allows it.

De Guzman's body bore 30 stab wounds while his head was wrapped in a packaging tape when he was found at a creek in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

He was laid to rest at the Pasig Public Cemetery on Wednesday morning despite the result of PNP's DNA test showing that the body was not that of De Guzman's.

His parents, Eduardo and Lina Gabriel insisted that the body that they have buried was their son's.

De Guzman is said to be the last person seen in the company of the 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz, who was killed in Caloocan after he allegedly drew fire with policeman who accosted him for supposedly robbing a taxi driver. — MDM, GMA News