PNP now identifying M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 cadavers via DNA tests

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has started the process in identifying the cadavers recovered from the sunken MV Trisha Kirsten 3 in Basilan through a DNA analysis.

In a statement, the PNP said the families of the victims have already begun providing DNA samples to its Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for the identification of the bodies.

“We are closely coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies as we focus on proper collection, handling, and analysis of DNA samples provided by families,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Our goal is to ensure that all procedures are followed properly and accurately to expedite the identification for them to be properly turned over to their respective families,” he added.

Among the biggest challenges in the identification process are the condition of the recovered bodies and the need for precise forensic procedures.

“Maraming factors ang pwedeng makaapekto sa identification process tulad ng environmental conditions sa ilalim ng dagat. But our SOCO experts are trained and equipped to handle these cases professionally,” Nartatez said.

(Many factors can affect the identification process such as the environmental conditions under the sea. But our SOCO experts are trained and equipped to handle these cases professionally.)

To prevent errors, the PNP chief said SOCO should be properly staffed and equipped to handle multiple DNA analyses simultaneously. Documentation should also be done in all procedures and results, he added.

As of Tuesday evening, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said a total of 43 cadavers have been recovered after the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The number of survivors remained at 316.

M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 on the evening of January 25 departed from Port of Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu but it submerged in Basilan waters on the morning of January 26.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier grounded the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines as authorities conducted a maritime safety and inspection audit following the incident. —AOL, GMA Integrated News