Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said the newly launched National Forensics Institute (NFI) is a major step in transforming the country’s justice system, providing accurate and science-based forensic results crucial in solving crimes.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at the University of the Philippines Manila, Secretary Remulla underscored the institute’s role in strengthening criminal investigations.

“Dito, sigurado na kung bakit, sigurado na kung anong kinamatay, at sigurado na rin yung mga scientific evidence para sa convictions or acquittal ng mga suspects natin,”�he said.

Also present at the launch were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Australian Ambassador H.K. Yu, Monash University Senior Vice President Craig Jeffrey, and UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee.

The NFI, the first of its kind in the country, was initiated through Administrative Order No. 29 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The order created a technical working group (TWG) to oversee the establishment of the institute. The TWG is chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary and includes members from the DILG, DOJ, DOH, DFA, DBM, CHED, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and UP Manila.

UP President Angelo Jimenez said the NFI will train and produce more forensic medicine experts, build the capacity of law enforcement to conduct science-based investigations, and promote a justice system grounded in human rights, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Raquel Fortun and Dr. Cecilia Lim, the only two forensic pathologists in the country, will serve as core faculty members alongside experts from UP and Monash University under the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine Program.

The creation of the NFI fulfills one of the Philippine government’s pledges during the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights held in Geneva in December 2023.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-National-Forensics-Institute-a-Major-Leap-for-PH-Justice-System/NC-2025-1067