DNA samples from Ecleo's child may not be needed

A PNP Crime Laboratory DNA Laboratory medico legal officer said the taking of DNA samples from the son of cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr. may not be necessary following their failure to get DNA samples from the corpse believed to be that of the son's mother, Alona.

"I submit and hereby categorically state, that the taking of blood samples from Ludwig Van Ecleo may no longer be necessary in light of the successive and continuous failure to yield DNA profile on the samples taken from the alleged cadaver of Alona Bacolod-Ecleo," said Medico Legal Officer Francisco Supe Jr.

This report came after Regional Trial Court Branch 9 presiding judge Geraldine Faith Econg asked the crime lab DNA lab's expertise on the issue whether Ludwig's DNA samples should necessary be taken. The 12-year-old child of Ecleo earlier expressed hesitance in giving his DNA samples. Econg had ordered him to compel him to undergo such test but set conditions: if its really necessary and if it won't harm the child psychologically.

Supe said it is necessary to take the child's DNA samples as they would not be able to establish the correct identity of the corpse alleged to be that of Alona without the samples taken for their biological child.

But the laboratory has not issued an official result of the DNA testing conducted in relation to the parricide case against Ecleo "because we were exhausting all possible efforts utilizing different protocols just to possibly yield genetic profile on samples taken from the cadaver."

But since they were not able to get the body's DNA samples it would mean that its absence nullifies other DNA testing procedure even the taking of blood samples from Ludwig.

Supe admitted that their laboratory "does not work well with these types of samples" thus recommends other DNA labs whose "laboratory protocol may work on these specimens." -Liv G. Campo