The Philippine government has received a significant donation of forensic equipment from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, bolstering the country’s capacity to uphold justice and human rights. The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked a key milestone in the establishment of the National Forensics Institute (NFI), a project aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s governance agenda of transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
A Commitment to Human Dignity
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin highlighted the donation as a gesture of both compassion and a technical boost to the nation’s forensic capabilities. The equipment, which includes mortuary refrigerators, autopsy carts, and body scales, was provided under Japan’s “Institutional Investigation of Custodial Deaths Project.”
“This simple act is charged with compassion: it affirms that every life, no matter how brief, deserves respect, and that even in loss, we are committed to honoring dignity, comforting those who grieve, and uncovering the truth,” Bersamin said.
The donation, facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is the first from Japan specifically for the NFI. The institute is a global pledge made by the Philippines at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva in December 2023.
Strengthening Partnerships and Upholding Truth
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo expressed confidence that the new equipment would support the government’s efforts to enhance the forensic capabilities of law enforcement and judicial authorities.
The equipment was handed over to the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), which serves as the academic backbone of the NFI. UPM Chancellor Michael Tee noted that the tools will ensure more efficient independent autopsies and provide essential resources for training future forensic specialists. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a statement, underscored the value of the donation. “It is a way to ensure that every person deprived of liberty, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity, and that any loss of life is examined with transparency, accountability, and care,” he said.
The NFI’s mission is already in progress. The Department of Justice, UPM, and UNODC Philippines signed a declaration on July 11, 2024, to strengthen procedures for investigating custodial deaths. Under this agreement, the remains of deceased persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from Metro Manila’s Bureau of Corrections facilities will be transferred to UPM for independent forensic examination.
Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. of the Bureau of Corrections emphasized the government’s duty to ensure transparency in these cases. Additionally, Daniele Marchesi, Country Head of UNODC Philippines, praised the Philippine government agencies’ enthusiasm and openness to productive engagement, which has facilitated smooth international cooperation in advancing forensic standards.
With this donation and ongoing partnerships, the Philippines moves closer to establishing a robust and independent forensics institute dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring dignity for all.
