The Philippine government received new forensic equipment from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, a move seen to strengthen the country’s capacity to uphold justice and human rights.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the donation, comprising mortuary refrigerators, autopsy carts, and body scales, was more than a technical upgrade, but also “a gesture of compassion” that affirms dignity and truth in investigating deaths.
The equipment was turned over to the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The donation supports the ongoing establishment of the National Forensics Institute (NFI), pledged by the Philippines in 2023 at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Under a July 2024 cooperation agreement, remains of persons deprived of liberty from Bureau of Corrections facilities in Metro Manila will undergo independent autopsies at UPM.
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo said this was Japan’s first donation to the NFI, while UPM officials emphasized its importance in training forensic specialists and conducting independent autopsies.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla added that the equipment was “a lifeline for truth,” ensuring custodial deaths are investigated with transparency and accountability.
The NFI Technical Working Group, co-chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary and DOJ, includes several government agencies, UPM, and the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat.IMT