- Experts continue to examine remains as 6th body arrived in Davao
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation XI forensic team successfully identified one of the bodies recovered from the sunken vessel MCBA Amejara, as search and identification efforts continue for the remaining victims.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI regional director Ednar Dayanghirang confirmed in an interview with DXDC-RMN Davao that the NBI XI is gaining ground to identify the drowned victims, but TIMES will not divulge the name out of respect to the grieving family.
While the identification has been processed through forensic examination, Dayanghirang noted that a formal turnover of the remains is pending further verification.
“We are currently waiting for the victim’s sibling to arrive for final confirmation,” Dayanghirang said.
He explained that while the victim’s live-in partner has already come forward, official protocols require a blood relative for the final turnover process.
The identification process remains a high priority for the government as more remains are brought to the city.
Dayanghirang confirmed that a sixth body was recently recovered near Buca Point in Maasim, Sarangani Province.
That body has been transported to a funeral parlor in Davao City and is slated for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sampling.
According to the report, DNA analysis is being utilized as the primary tool for identifying the remaining recovered bodies to ensure accuracy before they are released to their respective families.
The sinking of the MCBA Amejara has triggered an intensive multi-agency response, with the OCD, NBI, and local coast guard units working to resolve the status of the remaining missing individuals.
As of this writing no new update yet from the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao on the 8th day of their continued search and rescue operations.
