Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun recommended that each sack recovered from Taal Lake, believed to contain human remains, undergo an X-ray examination before being opened.
If it were up to her, she believes it would be better to subject the sacks to X-ray scanning, as every piece of recovered material is crucial to the outcome of the investigation. She mentioned that there might be bullets or other objects found inside.
However, the renowned forensic pathologist clarified that she has not been hired for the investigation and has no connection to the laboratory tests being conducted on the contents of the recovered sacks from the lake.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago had previously confirmed that the agency’s team would carry out the examination of the recovered sacks.
Dr. Fortun also stated that if a thorough forensic investigation is conducted using the appropriate forensic science, it may still be possible to identify the owner of the first set of bones recovered.
The expert also expressed concern over how the remains were handled while still at the site, particularly regarding the opening of the very first sack lifted from the lake, which had its contents fully exposed.
She emphasized that in such procedures, the scene is inevitably compromised, which could impact the integrity of the investigation.
