New equipment from UNODC, Japan to help PH forensics capabilities

New forensics pathology equipment from the Ministry of Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that were turned over to the University of the Philippines Manila on Wednesday.

Amounting to P2.2 million, these include a mortuary refrigerator, a body weighing scale and a body transport cart.

A welcome addition to UP Manila's Department of Pathology, the new equipment are expected to assist with conducting autopsies and the forensic analysis of custodial deaths turned over by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). 

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin underscored the importance of the turnover in creating a transparent, scientific pursuit of justice through forensics.

“At first glance, handing over autopsy instruments can feel like a strictly clinical moment, as that is known in the medical profession. Yet this singular act is charged with compassion because it affirms that every life, no matter how brief, deserves respect and that even in loss, we remain committed to honoring human dignity, comforting those who weep, and uncovering the truth,” he said.

Bersamin said these would also use to help train forensic specialists who would strengthen the country’s medical legal infrastructure.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya also reaffirmed their support for the Philippines’ goals to strengthen forensic efforts, marking the donation as their first tangible contribution to the country's National Forensic Institute (NFI).

“This project is now in its final stages, and I am deeply honored that today, as part of it, we are turning over autopsy equipment to the NFI… Equipment that will be used to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of forensic investigations. This is a crucial step in ensuring accountability and transparency in custodial cases,” he shared.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun expressed her gratitude to Japan and UNODC on the new equipment but noted the Philippines still faces a long journey in terms in the field of forensics.

“The equipment we’re getting actually is very, very basic,” she shared.

“I saw how far back we are in the Philippines. In fact, how pathetic the situation was… It’s very, very difficult to get funding for something morbid. Even politicians don’t want their names in the morgue, because who cares about the dead? It’s not palatable to donors,” she added.

She said that while she attempts to improve and promote the state of forensic sciences in the country, there are still many problems that need to be surmounted.

“We have a lot of problems which we’re not going to solve this morning, but basically the Philippines has no death investigation system, we have no legislation mandating forensic autopsies, the doctors [and] morgue assistants are practically unpaid, there’s barely no infrastructure… The dead really are taken for granted. Morgues are not financed, funded,” she shared.

As she nears retirement, Fortun called for support and encouragement for the younger generation who could be interested in taking up forensics.

“A lot of work is yet to be done. I promise to do what I can while I’m still around, but I do hope younger people will have the same passion for learning from the dead. I ask you to please support them, give them an easier time than what I had. Let me emphasize: fancy state of the art facilities are practically useless without the right human resources,” she continued.

Fortun urged the Department of Health (DOH) to develop morgues within regional hospitals, and to be less dependent on funeral parlors when it came to handling human remains.

As a possible response to Fortun’s appeal, UP Manila announced it is set to open a specific program for a Masters in Forensic Medicine by 2026. 

Meanwhile, UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee shared that there are additional forensic equipment that will soon arrive through funding from the Office of the President.

UNODC noted that involved parties are taking the necessary steps to slowly build the country’s forensic capabilities. — RF, GMA Integrated News