CPPO asks Interpol to take DNA samples in Bantayan

Cebu Police Provincial Office director Sr. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria has requested Interpol to go to the towns of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe —all in Bantayan Island— to get samples from the relatives of the seven dead and twenty missing residents for DNA testing.

“I requested if the team could go to Bantayan to get samples from the relatives,” Valmoria said.

In a talk with Nimal Mahagmage, the Regional Bureau Management and Coordination Director, Valmoria said that he already informed the Interpol about the situation in Bantayan.

Should the Interpol decide to go to the area, Valmoria said that they will provide the list of the missing persons.

“We will submit the list and we will decide when to go,” Valmoria said, adding that they will also coordinate with the towns his police chiefs.

Several weeks after Typhoon Frank, seven bodies were recovered in Bantayan and were buried in the cemeteries.  Twenty more persons are still missing.

“We have to take advantage of the presence of the Interpol…it would be better if the team would go to Bantayan,” he added. After the typhoon, six forensic teams from the Interpol arrived in Cebu City and trained local experts in testing the DNA of victims from the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars.  — Joy Kareen T. Saliente/BRP