PNP enhances forensic capabilities

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has committed to expanding the role of forensic science in criminal investigations as part of broader efforts to improve evidence gathering and public safety services, national police officials announced.

The initiative aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to enhance law enforcement capabilities through modern technology and evidence-based methods.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that scientific analysis is critical for moving beyond oral statements and circumstantial evidence to build stronger cases in court.

The announcement follows recent upgrades to the PNP Forensic Group’s facility, including an overhauled morgue equipped with a negative-pressure air filtration system, upgraded body freezers, specialized X-ray machinery and high-resolution security cameras.

The facility’s sewerage treatment infrastructure was also expanded.

Nartatez instructed the PNP Forensic Group to audit regional forensic centers nationwide and prioritize locations requiring immediate upgrades.

Officials are evaluating potential facility modernizations in Cebu and Mindanao to accelerate evidence processing outside Metro Manila.

National police leadership emphasized that expanding advanced forensic infrastructure across regional units will shorten case processing times and improve the reliability of criminal investigations.