(NBI photo)
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed the identities of four Filipino nationals who perished in the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This confirmation was achieved through meticulous DNA analysis conducted by the NBI’s Disaster Victim Identification Division (DVID).
Assistant Director Romel Papa of the NBI’s Forensic and Scientific Research Service reported that forensic experts were deployed to Mandalay, Myanmar, to collect tissue samples from the victims’ remains. Concurrently, DNA reference samples were obtained from the victims’ relatives in the Philippines. The comparative analysis of these samples yielded positive matches within two weeks, conclusively establishing the identities of the deceased Filipinos.
The identification process faced significant challenges due to the advanced decomposition of the remains and the necessity for immediate cremation, stemming from limited cold storage facilities in Myanmar. Despite these obstacles, the Philippine Embassy in Yangon successfully secured critical DNA samples—such as hair and teeth—from the remains prior to cremation, facilitating the subsequent forensic analysis.
Among the four Filipino casualties were a married couple from Negros Oriental, whose relatives traveled to Manila to provide DNA samples. The other two identified victims were confirmed earlier in April, with the first fatality identified on April 9 and the second on April 10. Out of respect for the families’ privacy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has withheld the names of the deceased.
The Philippine government has been proactive in its response to the tragedy. On April 1, a contingent comprising search and rescue teams and medical personnel was dispatched to Myanmar for an 18-day mission to assist in recovery efforts. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon has also been providing relocation assistance, emotional support sessions, and financial aid to affected overseas Filipinos, many of whom were survivors of the Sky Villa condominium collapse in Mandalay.
The earthquake has had a profound impact on Myanmar, resulting in over 5,300 deaths, approximately 4,800 injuries, and leaving 341 individuals missing, according to recent reports. The disaster has compounded existing hardships in the country, which has been grappling with a prolonged civil conflict.
The successful identification of the Filipino victims underscores the importance of international cooperation and the critical role of forensic science in disaster response. The Philippine government’s swift action in deploying forensic experts and providing support to affected families exemplifies its commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.