Courtesy: Science News
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed the identities of five Filipino citizens who perished in the devastating magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th.
The identification process, a complex undertaking requiring meticulous forensic work, was carried out by an NBI team deployed to Myanmar on April 4. Led by Wilfredo Tierra of the NBI’s Disaster Victim Identification Division, the team comprised a diverse group of experts, including doctors, a dentist, a forensic chemist, DNA analysts, a photographer, and support staff.
Their expertise proved crucial in navigating the challenges of identifying victims amidst the widespread destruction.
The team initially focused their efforts in Yangon, examining biological samples – including hair and teeth – collected from two Filipino victims previously recovered from the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium in Mandalay, the epicenter of the tragedy. The following day, the team traveled to Mandalay to continue their work, facing the grim reality of the widespread devastation and the difficult task of identifying remains amidst the rubble.
The identification process extended beyond the initial two victims. The NBI reports that two additional Filipino fatalities were identified through a combination of methods, including the examination of tattoos, personal belongings, identification documents, and dental comparisons with pre-disaster photographs. These alternative identification techniques highlighted the resourcefulness and adaptability of the forensic team in the face of limited biological material.
The final Filipino victim was identified on April 9. The team examined a fifth body retrieved from another collapsed condominium in Mandalay. In this instance, dental records played a pivotal role in confirming the victim’s identity, demonstrating the critical importance of maintaining accurate and readily accessible dental records. The successful identification of all five victims is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the NBI team, offering closure to families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
