The Problem and Its Background

Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez
Institute of Science and Technology PAGE \

College of Public Administration and Criminology
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Department of Criminology
CHAPTER 1
The Problem and Its Background
INTRODUCTION
Every firearm leaves unique markings that serve as
mechanical fingerprints of the gun on bullets and cartridge
cases it fires.
“Every contact leaves a trace.” The more violent the crime,
the more likely that trace evidence has been transferred between
the perpetrator and the victim (Locard’s principle).
The following is Edmond Locard’s own statement of his
famous principle.
“Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he
leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness
against him. All things or traces left, bear mute witness
against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not
confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent
because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical
evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself, it cannot
be wholly absent. Only its interpretation can err. Only human
failure to find it, study and understand it can diminish its
value.”
During the time of the Romans, a criminal charge meant
presenting the case before a group of public individuals. Both
the person accused of the crime and the accuser would give
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speeches based on their side of the story. The individual with
the best argumentation and delivery would determine the outcome
of the case. In other words, the person with the best forensic
skills would win.
The Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network
(CIBIN) is a national network of Integrated Ballistics
Identification System (IBIS) instruments that collect, analyze
and correlate fired bullets and cartridge cases in a central
database.
Prior to entering information into CIBIN, forensic
ballistics analysts work with bullets, cartridges cases and
firearms recovered from crime scenes and other firearms of
interest to police. Electronic representations of bullets and
cartridge cases from anywhere in Canada are entered into the
CIBIN database to create forensic intelligence and generate
investigative leads.
CIBIN allows all police in Canada to have their evidence
compared against any evidence from across the country, and
against evidence entered into the U.S. National Integrated
Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). Canada and the United
States have been sharing ballistics information since 2006. In
2014, the RCMP and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives established a live connection between the two
ballistics networks. This allows law enforcement in Canada and

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the United States to share information and compare ballistics
data in a real time environment.
It was in year 2010 when the Philippine National Police
(PNP) held a soft launch of its Integrated Ballistic
Identification System (IBIS) at the brand-new IBIS building in
Camp Crame. Manufactured by Forensic Technology of Montreal,
Canada, IBIS is the de facto world standard in automated
firearms identification systems, used in nearly 60 countries,
including the United States, South Africa, and England.
Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to capture,
store, and rapidly compare huge numbers of digital ballistic
images, IBIS dramatically shortens the time to find a match
between two or more pieces of evidence.
With the traditional method the PNP currently uses to
examine ballistic evidence with a comparison microscope, it
would take a PNP Firearms Examiner, working 24/7, more than 13
years just to determine if the recovered evidence matches any of
the more than 1,000,000 licensed firearms. On the criminal
investigation side, it would take the same firearms examiner
almost 1 ½ years to compare against the more than 100,000 pieces
of ballistic evidence currently on file at the PNP Crime
Laboratory.
It is this exceedingly long time to do manual comparison
that limits the ability of investigators to leverage the tried

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and tested methods of firearms identification both in criminal
investigation, and in law enforcement. IBIS promises to change
all this. Once the databases are built, it will only be a matter
of hours or even minutes for IBIS to compare a piece of evidence
against the entire database of licensed firearms.
“The new technology would cut from 13 years to two hours
the time to check and compare the specimen to its database of
licensed gun holders.”
Recognizing the importance of firearms identification
technology, the PNP has been trying to acquire IBIS since 1995.
Budgetary constraints, however, frustrated all efforts; until
the project was classified as priority project by the PNP
Program Management Office under the PNP’s on-going Integrated
Transformation Program. After a lengthy study, the PNP found out
that the benefits if IBIS will be maximized by developing both a
crime database, and a registration database. The crime database
will enable investigators to “link” gun crimes, i.e., find out
if ballistic evidence recovered from a particular crime scene
came from a gun that has been used in other crimes. It will not
tell investigators who the owner of the gun is. The registration
database will contain data from all licensed guns in the
country. Investigators will be able to rapidly identify the
owner of a licensed gun from recovered ballistic evidence, if
ever one is used in crime.

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IBIS consists of three phases: the first of which includes
a BulletTRAX-3D that can scan digital images of bullets, a
BrassTRAX-3D that can scan bullet cartridges, and other
equipment that will allow authorities to easily search and
correlate firearms.
The IBIS assists in the manual searching and identifying of
potential candidate matches by automating the entire system and
searching evidence of multiple crime scenes simultaneously.
With every new image entered, IBIS compares the recovered
evidence with existing images from prior crime scenes to
identify possible matches. IBIS is able to search through
volumes of existing images and prior evidence from crime scenes
and suggests a small number of cases as potential matches.
This study caught the mind of the researchers to study
deeper on the examination aspect of firearms and ammunition
using a more advanced and sophisticated technology and to find
out the reliability of the Integrated Ballistic Identification
System as a means of identifying the evidence used in the
commission of the crime.
Setting of the Study
The locale of the study was conducted in the Philippine
National Police Crime Laboratory, Firearms Identification
Division (FAID), Camp Crame, Quezon City. This group provides
scientific and technical, investigative aide and support to the

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PNP and other investigative agencies. It also provides crime
laboratory examination, evaluation and identification of
physical evidence gathered at the crime scene with primary
emphasis on medical, biological and physical nature.
The PNP Crime Laboratory was first organized as a
Fingerprint Section of the G-2 Division of the Military Police
Command Armed Forces in the West Pacific of the United States
Army (AFPWESPAC) in May 19, 1945. It was upgraded into a branch
and was renamed as Crime Laboratory Branch of the Criminal
Investigation Service, which was the investigative arm of the
Philippine Constabulary (PC).
By virtue of Republic Act 6975 (PNP Law) enacted in 1990,
the PC/INP was abolished, paving way to the creation of the
Philippine National Police. Consequently, the PNP Crime
Laboratory Service was established as an Administrative Support
Unit on January 30, 1990. In 1996, NAPOLCOM Resolution Nr 96-058
spelled out the streaming program of the PNP and designed the
PNPCLS as a National Operational Support Unit. Likewise, it
dropped the word Service from the crime laboratory’s name and
would simply be known as the PNP Crime Laboratory.
The constitution and activation of Central Crime Laboratory
of then Western Police District was made possible through CLG-A
GO # 30-96 dated October 29, 1996 and took effect on November 1,

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1996. It took over the place of the former Crime Investigation
Laboratory Division of then Western Police District Command at
U.N. Ave., Ermita, Manila. Its initial personnel strength was
composed of two (2) PCOs and twelve (12) PNCOs. It slowly grew
in personnel population and is now known as PNP Crime Laboratory
Central Office, now under the supervision of Director Emmanuel
Aranas.
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Figure 1
Geographical Map of PNP Camp Crame

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Theoretical Framework
The study was anchored on the AFTE theory of identification
by Ronald Nichols of Montreal Canada (1993) which states that
this theory articulates three principles that provide the
conceptual basis for comparing tool marks for the purpose of
identifying them as having a common source.
The three principles of the AFTE Theory of Identification:
1. The theory of identification as it pertains to tool marks
enables opinions of common origin to be made when the
unique surface contours of two tool marks are in sufficient
agreement.
2. This sufficient agreement is related to the significant
duplication of random tool marks as evidenced by the
correspondence of a pattern or combination of patterns of
surface contours. Significance is determined by the
comparative examination of two or more sets of surface
contour patterns comprised of individual peaks, ridges, and
furrows. Specifically, the relative height or depth, width,
curvature and spatial relationship of the individual peaks,
ridges and furrows within one set of surface contours are
defined and compared to the corresponding features in the
second set of contours. Agreement is significant when it
exceeds the best agreement demonstrated between two tool

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marks known to have been produced by different tools and is
consistent with agreement demonstrated by tool marks known
to have been produced by the same tool. The statement that
“sufficient agreement” exists between two tool marks means
that the likelihood another tool could have made the mark
is so remote as to be considered a practical impossibility.
3. The current interpretation of
individualization/identification is subjective in nature,
founded on scientific principles and based on the
examiner’s training and experience.
Conceptual framework
Figure 2 represents a funnel chart showing how variables
merge into a whole. It is also shown that each part is very
important and indispensable to have a better and effective way
to solve the problem.
These variables are the identification, crime solution and
database system. The three variables are placed in oval shape
inside the funnel. To easily understand the conceptual paradigm,
the funnel will serve coffee maker while the three variables are
the identification, which is the coffee, the crime solution
which is the sugar and the database system, which is the milk to
have perfect taste and brewed coffee you desire. They should
bring together, mixed and unite. This means that the

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capabilities of the Integrated Ballistic Identification System
will not be capable enough if any of the variables would be
missing or incomplete. When these three comes together the
Firearms Division will have a better and more effective system
and methods of resolving cases involving firearms and
ammunition.
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Crime
Identification
Solution
Database
System
Capabilities of the Integrated Ballistic

Identification System
Figure 2
Conceptual Framework of the Study

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Statement of the Problem:
This study attempted to evaluate the degree of the
capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification System of
the PNP Crime Laboratory Firearm Identification Division (FAID).
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in
terms of:
1.1 Age;
1.2 Gender;
1.3 Civil Status;
1.4 Educational Attainment; and
1.5 Length of Service?
2. What is the extent of capabilities of Integrated
Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) in the solution of
crimes terms of:
2.1 Identification;
2.2 Crime Solution; and
2.3 Database System;
3. Is there any significant difference between the assessment
of the two (2) groups of respondents on the capabilities
of Integrated Ballistics Identification System?
4. What are the problems encountered by the respondents’ on
the capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification
System (IBIS) in terms of the above mentioned variables?

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5. What measures may be proposed to enhance the capabilities
of Integrated Ballistics Identification System of the PNP
Crime Laboratory Firearms Identification Division?
Hypothesis
The researchers hypothesized that there is no significant
difference on the assessment of the two (2) groups of respondent
on the capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification
System.
Significance of the Study
The main target of this study was to evaluate the degree of
the capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification System
of the PNP Crime Laboratory Firearm Identification Division and
it was deemed significant on the following:
To the Crime Laboratory, the result of this study will
improved effectiveness in the performance of their role, in
terms of reliability of services provided to the investigative
functions of the police, and in improving scientific
investigation at the scene of the crime with the use of modern,
latest and sophisticated equipment.
To the Investigation Units of the PNP, this study will make
them understand the need to upgrade the standard investigation
procedures to make it relevant and effective in finding solution

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to the crime as well as to improve the proper coordination
between the SOCO and the investigators.
To the Local Government Units, this will make them
appreciate the role of the Scene of the Crime Operatives in the
crime solution and giving importance of their participation
especially in the preservation of the crime scene and reporting
it on time.
To the Criminology Enthusiast, this will provide them a
study coming from the opinion of persons connected in the field
of forensic ballistics and to serve this as additional tool in
their quest in looking for a better ways of crime prevention,
investigation and detection.
To the Community, this study could help them to become
knowledgeable on crime scene investigation conducted by the SOCO
and may improve the confidence of the public in the crime
solution capabilities of the Crime Laboratory.
Finally, to the Future Researchers, this study will serve
as a basis in the conduct of another research or as a reference
material regarding the capabilities of the Integrated Ballistics
Identification System of the PNP Crime Laboratory Forensic
Ballistics Division.
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Scope and Limitation
The study was limited to the following:
The Setting
The study was conducted in Philippine National Police Crime
Laboratory Firearm Identification System, Camp Crame, Quezon
City.
The Subject
The study aimed to evaluate the degree of the capabilities
of Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS);
The Respondents
The respondents of this study were Firearm Examiners and
Police Investigators.
The Time Frame
The study was conducted on academic year 2016-2017.
Definition of Terms:
To provide a better and clear understanding of the study,
the researchers have listed and defined of the following terms:
Ammunition. Refers to a group of cartridge or to a single
cartridge. Cartridge is a complete unfired unit consisting of
bullet (ball), primer (cap), cartridge case (shell) and
gunpowder (propellant).
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Ballistics. It is the science of the motion of the
projectile and the condition that affects its motion.
Bullet. Itrefers to any metallic or non-metallic ball that
is propelled from a firearm.
Capability. The measure of the ability of an entity
(department, organization, person, system) to achieve its
objectives, especially in relation to its overall mission.
Cartridge Case. It is the metallic or non-metallic tabular
container usually made of brass; it is designed to unite to
bullet, primer and the gunpowder into on unit.
Data Base. Is a collection of information that is organized
so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
Data Concentrator. It provides centralized storage for the
data collected from multiple Brasstrax and Bulletrax
acquisitions stations.
De facto. Is a Latin expression that means "in fact, in
reality, in actual existence, force, or possession, as a matter
of fact" (literally "of fact").
Firearm. It is an assembly of a barrel an action from which
a projectile is discharged by means of a rapidly burning
gunpowder.
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Firearms Identification. It is used to determine if a
bullet, cartridge case, or other ammunition component was fired
in a particular firearm to the exclusion of all others.
Forensic. Relating to, or denoting the application of
scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime.
Grooves. It refers to the depressed portion of the bore
between the lands.
Lands. It refers to the elevated portion of the bore of the
firearm.
Markings. An affixed or impressed pattern, symbol,
inscription, serving to give information, identify, indicate
origin or ownership.
Acronyms:
CIBIN – Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification
Network
FAID – Firearm Identification System
IBIS - Integrated Ballistic Identification System
NIBIN – National Integrated Ballistics Identification
Network
PNP – Philippine National Police
RCMP - Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature and Studies
This chapter presents the review of related literature and
studies anchored from foreign and local sources. These are
deemed relevant since these will substantiate the results of the
study to be conducted.
Local Literature
Crime prevention in any society today post a great
challenge due to the complexity and the availability of many
ways or technique employed by criminals or to be used by
organized crime syndicate to commit a crime and criminal acts
against our society to disrupt peace and progress and they were
aware of the law enforcement capabilities to investigate the
crime scene. Police or law enforcement should continually
upgrade and update their system capabilities and trained
personnel to be able to steps ahead and come up with evidence
that be useful in the prosecution of the guilty party (PNP
Journal, 2012)
The PNP Crime Laboratory has always regarded that pieces of
physical evidence recovered at the crime scene should be
properly recognized, collected, preserved and documented. It is
in this respect that the laboratory activated the Scene of Crime
Operation (SOCO) which aimed at assisting the police field
investigator in the early solution of criminal cases

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particularly heinous crimes and to ensure airtight cases in
court.
The present crime situation of the country calls for the
updating of the tools and procedures specifically in the field
of forensic science. Hence, a historical perspective of the
evolvement of the crime laboratory, the organizational
arrangement and the social factors that helped locate it where
it is now in the Philippine National Police is significant.
The Firearms Identification Division examines firearms used
in crime through ballistics or the science of firearms
identification by means of ammunition fired through them. With
the use of proper techniques and under proper conditions,
ballistics exhibits- fired bullets, fired shells, firearms and
allied matters – are scientifically examined to determine
whether they were fired from particular gun. “Crime Laboratory”
Relative to the effort of improving the PNP Crime
Laboratory, it continues to upgrade its facilities and train
manpower to meet demands of criminal justice system in
performing its function which are to: 1) provide technical
advice in matters relating to scientific crime detection; 2)
perform examination/analyses of specimens involving crimes
submitted by investigating units in the field; 3) conduct
lectures on scientific crime detection and other forensic

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science subjects in military and civilian schools; and 4) render
expert testimony in court (PNP CL, QMS 2006). It is in this
effort that the PNP crime laboratory examiners were given
opportunity to undergo specialized trainings abroad to upgrade
knowledge and skills supported by JICA, British Government,
ICITAP (USA) and other European countries as well in South
Korea, Singapore, China and Thailand in Asia.
According to Cael and Agas (2012) an investigator must have
the know how and experience of how to investigate or one must
understand that aside from investigator’s investigative
knowledge, skill and attitude, the investigator’s investigative
knowledge, skill and attitude, the investigator must consider
what constitutes effective and efficient investigation. In
addition, he must have the proper equipment, technology,
procedures and the necessary budget that facilitates
investigation. He must be knowledgeable and skillful about
investigative techniques; photographing, sketching, taking
notes, identifying, collecting examining, and processing
physical evidence, gathering information, developing, locating
and identifying suspects; conducting surveillance, undercover
work, raids and intelligence operations.
Through Forensic Ballistics or Firearm Identification, the
criminals could not deaden and elude prosecution, whenever the

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complete physical evidences such as firearms, shells and bullets
were recovered from the crime scene. The said evidences or
things, speak for itself against the perpetrator (Duyogan,
2011).
Firearms Identification is a forensic science often
referred to as ballistics. Forensic ballistics identifies
firearms usage in crimes. The ballistics refers to the science
of the travel of a projectile in flight. The flight path of a
bullet includes: travel down the barrel, path through the air
and path through a target. Forensic ballistics involves analysis
of bullets and bullet impacts to determine the type. Separately
from the ballistics information, firearm and tool mark
examinations also involve analyzing firearms, ammunition, and
mark evidence in order to establish whether a certain firearm or
tool was used in the commission of a crime. (Perfecto, 2013).
Firearm identification is one of the branches of tool mark
identification. This is because the firearm, made of a material
harder than the ammunition components, acts as a tool that
leaves impressed or striated marks on the various shell casings
and other ammunition components with which it come into contact.
And like fingerprints, no two firearms, even those of the same
make and model, will produce the same marks on fired bullets and
cartridge cases. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes and

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the use of the firearm leave surface characteristics that cannot
be exactly reproduced in any other firearms. This means that the
tool marks are unique to each firearm. Another aspect that
people often don’t know is that firearms do not normally change
much over time. This allows firearms recovered months or even
years after a shooting to be identified by forensic experts as
having fired a specific bullet or cartridge case. (Martinez,
2012)
Foreign Literature
Firearms examination embraces a wide range of analyses.
Firearms examiners routinely compared fired bullets and
cartridges to determine whether a given weapon fired the bullets
found at the scene of the crime. They determine whether a weapon
can be fired. Firearms examiners examine powder and shotgun
pellets patterns to determine the range from which a gunshot was
fired. Firearms examiners may also be asked to recover
obliterated serial numbers on firearms or other objects. Many
firearms examiners also examine tool marks. Firearms or other
objects must consequently work closely with other specialists in
the forensic sciences. Identification of the material in a
powder pattern as gunshot residue would require the firearms
examiner to work closely with the forensic chemist. (Wilbur,
2012)
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The effort of the individuals involved in firearm and tool
mark identification during this period should be recognized as
they, were the individuals instrumental in both continuing the
development of the science as well as gaining public and legal
acceptance of the science. The misuse of firearms in criminal
cases, especially in the United States, greatly increased in the
1960’s. In recognition of the need to exchange information and
promote continuing scientific research in the field of firearm
and tool mark and tool mark identification, thirty-six
individuals met in Chicago, Illinois in February 1969, and
recognized the Association of Firearm and Tool mark Examiners
(AFTE).
The most significant advances during this period include
the tremendous growth, popularity, and relatively inexpensive
cost of computers. The ability to fully utilize the vast
potential of computers has allowed science overall, and forensic
science more specifically, to take full advantage in development
of several useful ‘tools’ for use within the firearms
laboratory. The ongoing development of computers has provided
the firearms and tool mark examiner with such useful equipment
as the former Drug fire System as well as the current Integrated
Ballistics Identification System (IBIS). In the United States,
IBIS units in forensic laboratories connect in a nation-wide

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network to form the National Integrated Ballistics
Identification Network (NIBIS). Similar systems exist in Canada
as well as several countries in Europe.
Using advanced computer technology, the IBIS system allow
for the capturing of digital images of fired bullets and
cartridge casings which are the analyzed to provide the examiner
with a list of possible ‘hits’ for examination using as
comparison microscope. This amazing technology, unheard of just
a few years ago, provides the examiner with the opportunity to
search for possible identification on fired evidence bullets and
cartridge cases in the laboratory and throughout the NIBIN
System. (Davis,2012)
Forensic ballistic experts look at certain characteristics
of firearms that relate to the bullets fired from the including
the caliber of the firearms and the rifling pattern contained in
the barrel of the firearms. Cartridges and cartridge cases on
the other hand are examined for similarities in what are called
breech marks, firing pin impressions, extractor marks, ejector
marks and other named tool marks. One of the most important
tools in forensic ballistics is the comparison microscope also
called comparison microscope, where these tool marks can be
compared side by side and matched or eliminated (Wolf, 2012).

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A 2013 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) publication
asserts that the rapidly evolving scientific in all areas of
forensics must be incorporated into all aspects of practitioners
education. It details areas where potential scientific
breakthroughs will impact the duties and responsibilities of
crime scene investigators. Advances in analytical toxicology,
trace evidence, forensic biology, firearms and tool mark
examinations, fingerprint analysis, digital evidence and
forensic pathology can enhance the capabilities of investigators
who are searching for physical evidence at the scene of a crime.
Future innovations include the possibility of DNA chip
technology that may provide immediate DNA analysis at the crime
scene by investigators who are trained as forensic investigators
(National Institute of Justice, 2013).
There is an insufficient pool of qualified forensic
scientists, a shortage that can be attributed to colleges that
offer degrees but do not have curriculum that includes the basic
science courses necessary for this occupation. Most current
educational programs are hampered by the lack of evidence-
handling protocols and the absence of training in the proper use
to scientific equipment. The failure of today’s colleges to
properly educate forensic science students results in costly,
labor-intensive remedial training by employers-which in turn

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dramatically increases the length of time before a forensic
science graduate is prepared to conduct scientific analysis of
evidentiary materials (Lewis, 2013).
The contributors of physical evidence to an investigation
are diminished primarily by the inability, unwillingness, or
failure to locate, properly collect, mark, and preserve it and
the drawing of improper conclusions from its analysis, its
proper value can be altered by incomplete or inaccurate
testimony (Swanson, 2012)
Not all crimes laboratories have the same capabilities.
Some can do much more than others. Laboratories also tend to
emphasize and build up particular areas. The manner of
collection of some types of physical evidence, powder residues
from the hands of the suspect, for example, will vary according
to the types of test procedures the laboratory applies.
Therefore, it is important that crime laboratories supporting
their jurisdiction, as well as with the requirements of the
national forensic science laboratories. The necessary
familiarity can be attained without extensive study or great
expenditure of time. Regardless of variance in capability, the
basic missions of reducing or eliminating uncertainty in the
criminal investigation and supplanting fact for supposition are
common to all crime laboratories (Fox, 2011)

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Insuring that the entire system of scientific investigation
is meaningful and consistent with scientific requirements is a
goal which extremely difficult to attain. In forensic science,
the severe limitations of staff and resources are sometimes
presented as arguments to dramatize the impossibility of
reaching such idealistic goals. The need for immediate concern
would not be so acute if the forensic profession were moving to
correct some of the problems of evidence retrieval.
Unfortunately, many influential scientists continue to neglect
such issue and to see their primary problems as improving
analytical techniques and securing more laboratory equipment
(Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2012).
Lenku (2012) stressed that forensic laboratory is a
milestone in the police reforms. The forensic laboratory will
nurture a culture of honest police investigation devoid of
evidence falsification because scientific evidence is
corroborative enough. As science is exact explanation on
matters.
Local Studies
In a study made by Calixto, (2012), no two firearms, even
those of the same make and model, will produce the same unique
marks on fired bullets and cartridge cases. Manufacturing
processes, use, and abuse leave surface characteristics within

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the firearm that cannot be exactly reproduced in other firearms.
Firearms do not normally change much over time. This allows for
firearms recovered months or even years after a shooting to be
identified as having fired a specific bullet of cartridge case.
Tests have been conducted that found that even after firing
several hundred rounds through a firearm the last bullet fired
could still be identified to the first. It should be noted that
not all firearms leave consistent producible marks. But overall
it has been my experience that around eighty percent of the
firearms that I examine produce what is sometimes called a
“mechanical fingerprint” on the bullets and cartridge cases that
pass through them. All cases that involve firearms
identification start with preliminary examinations of the
evidence for similar class characteristics.
In a study made by Fernando (2011), knowledge of the
fundamental facts and advance principles of forensic science is
essential for the specialist and expert since he must know what
to do in an instant case for analysis and how to interpret his
results so that the investigator may obtain from him the maximum
assistance in clearing some doubts regarding the case under
investigation. To a great extent, the specialist is relied upon
in the elucidation of cases.
Cross training in today’s specialized working society can
be extremely significant. Nowhere in the forensic field is that

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more evident than in crime scene investigations. The
investigator or technician can find himself/herself in many
unique situations during an investigation. Unit supervisors
should be aggressively searching for unique training
opportunities for their investigative specialists. This will
assure that they have an assortment of knowledge and tools to
proficiently handle their tasks. An area that deserves more
adequate attention through basic skills training workshops and
publication is the hardest and safety issues responding to a
crime scene. Personal safety as well as occupational safety is
always a priority in limiting injuries and illnesses to
exposures. This applies in the field as well as in the lab. In
responding to a crime scene, the police officer particular the
investigator may find the possibilities of being exposed to
different types of hazards or safety conditions. A hazard is
considered the lack of safety or degree of risk to an exposure
situation. Safety is the first duty to consider in any
occupation or task. After working many types of disasters, high
profile cases and hazardous crime scenes, experience has shown
that something new can be learned from each experience. Each
experience has generated unique and different challenges. Those
challenges require immediate attention and revisions to the plan
of operations being conducted. The one constant in these types

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of challenges is change. Proper training and experience will
assure safe and expeditious result (Perez, 2012).
According to Catabay (2013) forensic examiners of the
Laboratory are regarded as experts in their field of discipline
and are expected to perform their job with the highest degree of
integrity and competency. There were however, some concern about
the knowledge and skill needed by the forensic examiners and
most especially the values and commitment to the job as a
rallying point for integrity and competence. There were attempts
to upgrade the capability of examiners. These, however, were
considered exercise in futility since there was really no
assessment made on the requirements needed for each particular
field. In most instances the trainers and resource persons for
the forensic courses were limited to personnel of the laboratory
who also had limited knowledge on the subject of expertise.
PNP crime laboratory today operates and perform as one of
the best established forensic laboratory in the country. Give
the PNP professional service as well as quality management in
the daily task. The present crime situation of the country calls
for the updating of the tools and procedures specifically in the
forensic chemistry.
Cayabyab (2011) recommended that there is a need for
specialized training which deals with the updates and latest
advance in forensic chemistry. Indeed, lack of forensic

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trainings among law enforces is the major cause of mishandled or
inadequately investigated cases.
Capsambelis (2012) finds little evidence of research
addressing the training needs of criminal investigators, but
shows that considerable effort has been spent determining the
educational needs of forensic science students. Few academic
programs exist, Capsambelis continues, because, in the past,
crime scene personnel have gained their knowledge.
Foreign Studies
In a study made by Johnston (2012) if the firearm is not
recovered, and the crime lab has the marks on a cartridge case
there`s yet another approach. They can input it into one of the
many databases- similar to the DNA database. One of the
ballistics databases forensic labs in the USA use is FBI
sponsored Drugfire. The Firearms-Toolmarks Unit (FTU) is one of
many subdivisions of the FBI Laboratory devoted to a specific
discipline of forensic science. They use Drugfire, an automated,
national computerized forensic firearms identification system
that integrates, cartridge case, shot shell and bullet analysis,
as well as electronic firearms reference libraries, on a single
computer platform. Hits are made when a system user finds a
match between a specimen they added into the database and a
previously filed specimen.

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The science of Firearm/Tool mark Identification (2011)
continues to be challenged by critics within the legal community
and the media. The National Academy of Sciences has issued
reports critical of the scientific foundations of the
discipline. Other critics in the legal and academic fields have
identified mistakes made by crime laboratories which have
resulted in massive overhauls of the identified systems and
evaluations of previous casework of the affected examiners.
These critics have argued that there is a lack of empirical
research and that the validity of the science has yet to be
established. They also claim that the methods which examiners
employ during the examination and evaluation of firearm and
toolmark evidence have yet to be standardized.
The National Research Counsel(2011) issued a report that
outlined several deficiencies in the nation`s forensic science
system. The report detailed what they perceived to be serious
problems in training, certification, accreditation, protocols,
standards, and reporting on evidence. Also, the report was
critical of a number of the disciplines of forensic science. One
of which was the science of Firearm and Toolmark Identification.
The report implies that FA/TM ID is lacking peer-reviewed
studies and its validity and reliability has not been fully
established. While most of the recommendations coming from the
NAS study are highly commendable and long overdue, their attack
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on the validity of FA/TM ID appear to ignore the extensive
history of peer reviewed validation studies on the uniqueness of
toolmarks (SWGGUN) are working to address this and other
perceived issues with the report.
The police constitute the ultimate extension of the legal
system to the individual citizen and are the most visible symbol
of the law. Similar to other legal institutions, the overarching
goal of the police authority is to maintain justice and safety.
To this end, police officers are set to perform a variety of
activities, ranging from crime prevention to the apprehension of
offenders. Perhaps the most complex and psychologically
intriguing of these tasks is the investigation of crime.
Successful criminal investigation effectuates justice and safety
through primarily two mechanisms: It allows for the prosecution
and punishment of individuals who do not adhere to the law, and
increases clear-up rates, which deter potential criminals from
engaging in illegal activities (Ask, 2011).
In recent years, severe criticism has been passed on the
police and prosecution authorities for their investigative
practice (Sjoberg, 2013). This critique largely stems from a
number of controversial cases, characterized by either an
inability to solve serious crimes or the conviction of
individuals later found to be innocent. A striking resemblance
can be identified between different critical accounts: They seem

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to imply that investigators have been overly focused on
confirming a single hypothesis regarding the investigated crim.
As a consequence, it is argued, alternative explanations of the
available evidence have not been properly investigated. Without
commenting on the validity of the critique pertaining to any
particular case, the multitude of similar observations
underscores the need to take the problem of investigative biases
seriously {Reimer, 2012). Criminal investigation is, in essence,
the process of answering questions as to if, how, where, when,
why, and by whom a crime was committed. To this end,
investigators must assemble clues from various sources and
arrive at a coherent account of the critical event. Although it
is important to understand as completely as possible the
circumstances surrounding a crime, this is not an end in itself.
In Sweden, and in nations with an adversarial judicial system
(e.g., the UK, the US), the official purpose of criminal
investigation is to retrieve information that can be used as
evidence in court (Van Koppen & Penrod 2013). The obtained
evidence then becomes the basis for judges and juries decisions
concerning the guilt of prosecuted defendants and the sentences
imposed on those found guilty. From the above description it is
evident that investigative activities cannot be fully understood
if viewed detached from its context, but should be seen as
intertwined with other components of the criminal justice

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system. Therefore, it is helpful to consider how investigators
work relates to the prosecution process.
A prerequisite for issuing a summons is, first and
foremost, that the identity of the defendant is clear.
Furthermore, the criminal act must be specified with regard to
the time and place of the offense. Finally, the circumstances
surrounding the offense should be detailed and proven to fulfill
the legal requisites for the specified crime classification. The
investigative work carried out by the police authority serves to
provide the prosecutor with all the above information.
Whether or not the prosecutor is able to bring in an indictment
against a suspect, considering the above requirement is entirely
dependent on the result of the police investigation. In other
words, a great contribution to the final outcome of a legal case
is made already in the preliminary criminal investigation (Bring
et al., 2011).
Relevance of the Cited Related Literature and Studies to the
Present Study
All the noted and discussed review of related literature
and studies are considered important in the present studies.
From this information, the researchers are able to become
familiar with the Crime Laboratory regarding forensic firearm
examination.
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The reading from the different literature both foreign and
local had given the researchers the idea to pursue their desire
to conduct the study relative to the capabilities of Integrated
Ballistics Identification System. This study caught the mind of
the researchers to study deeper on the examination aspect of
firearms and ammunition using a more advanced and sophisticated
technology and to find out the reliability of the Integrated
Ballistic Identification System as a means of identifying the
evidence used in the commission of the crime.

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CHAPTER 3
Methodology and Research Design
This chapter is a presentation of the methodology of
research and research design, as well as the sampling of the
respondents, tools for the data collection procedure,
instruments/tools of measurement and the statistical treatment
of data.
Methodology of Research
To attain the objectives of the study, the researchers
utilized the descriptive method of research. Descriptive type
focuses on studying and investigating what comprises an object
to determine its nature. This method or research was applicable
to the present study since its objective was to evaluate the
capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification System.
According to Calderon descriptive methods involves an
element of interpretation of mainly of significance of what was
described, this description was often combined with mainly of
the data collected, which would be reported from the objectives
point of view and the base assumptions of the project underway
data must be subjected to the thinking process in terms of
ordered reasoning, he further stated that survey otherwise known
as normative survey, fact finding study with adequate and
accurate interpretation, it is used to collect data about
people’s behavior, practices, intention beliefs , attitudes ,

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opinions, judgment interest and perception, and then such data
analyzed, organized and interpreted.
Population and Sampling Scheme
The researchers used the so-called random sampling scheme,
which gives every member of the population the chance to be
chosen as part of the sample. The conclusion was derived from
the data gathered through random sampling that generalized the
whole population.
Description of the Respondents
The respondents of this study were composed of two (2)
groups, fifty-three (53) Firearm Examiners and thirty-four (34)
Police Investigators from the PNP Crime Laboratory Firearm
Identification Division and Crime Investigation and Detection
Group (CIDG) respectively, a total of eighty-seven (87)
respondents. They were described as to their gender, age, civil
status, highest educational attainment.

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Table 1
Frequency Distribution of the Respondents
Total No. of Sample

Respondents Percentage
Respondents
Firearm Examiners 53 60.92
Police Investigators
34 39.08
Total 87 100
Table 1 presents the frequency distribution of the
respondents according to respondents.
Table also shows that majority of the respondent were
firearm examiners with 53 or 60.92 percent while police
investigators have only 34 or 39.08 percent.
Table 2

According to Age
Firearm
Age Police Investigator
Examiner
21- 30 years old 16 30.19 10 29.41
31 – 40 years old 35 66.04 22 64.71
41 – 50 years old 2 3.77 2 5.88
Above 50 0 0 0 0
Total 53 100 34 100
respondents according to age.
On the part of the firearm examiners it can be gleaned from
the table that ages 31-40 years has the highest percentage with
35 respondent or 66.04 percent, followed by ages 21-30 years of

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age with 16 or 30.19 percent, next were the group of 41-50 years
old with 2 respondent or 3.77 percent and none on those with age
50 years old and above.
On the part of the police investigators most of them are
coming from those with ages 31-40 years old with 22 or 64.71
percent, followed by those 21-30 years old with 10 or 29.42
percent, then those 41-50 years of age with 2 or 5.88 percent
and none from those 51 years of age and above.
Table 3

According to Gender
Firearm
Gender
Examiner Police Investigator
Female 1 1.89 3 8.82
Male 52 98.11 31 91.18
Total 53 100 34 100
Table 3 shows the distribution of the respondents according
to gender.
The male respondent was the majority on both firearm
examiner and police investigator with 52 or 98.11 percent and 31
or 91.18 percent respectively while female on both firearm
examiner and police investigator only had 1 respondent or 1.89
percent and 3 or 8.82 percent respectively.

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Table 4

According Civil Status
Firearm
Civil Status
Examiner Police Investigator
Single 18 33.96 9 26.47
Married 35 66.04 25 73.53
Total 53 100 34 100
respondents according to civil status.
Table shows that most of the respondent firearm examiner
and police investigators are married with 35 respondents or
66.04 percent and 25 or 73.53 percent while only 18 firearm
examiner or 33.96 percent and 9 police investigators or 26.47
percent are single.
Table 5

According to Educational Attainment
Educational Firearm
Attainment Examiner Police Investigator
College Graduate 49 92.45 29 85.29
With units in Master’s
4 7.55 5 14.71
Degree
Master’s Degree 0 0 0 0
With units in Doctorate’s
0 0 0 0
Degree
Doctorate Degree 0 0 0 0
Total 53 100 34 100
respondents according to educational attainment.

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Table also shows that most of the respondent firearm
examiners are college graduate with 49 or 92.45 percent,
followed by those with units in master’s degree with only 4 or
7.55 percent and none among those from the group with master’s
degree, with units in doctorate degree and doctorate degree.
On the part of the police investigators, the table shows
that most of the respondents are college graduate with 29 or
85.29 percent, followed by 5 respondents only or 14.71 percent
from those with units in master’s degree and none on the group
of those with master’s degree, with units in doctorate degree
and doctorate degree.
Table 6

According to Length in Service
Length in Firearm
Service Examiner Police Investigator
1-5 years 2 3.77 2 5.88
6-10 year 39 73.58 26 76.47
11-15 years 9 16.98 4 11.76
16-20 years 3 5.66 2 5.88
21 years and above 0 0 0 0
Total 53 100 34 100
respondents according to length in service.
The table also shows that the respondent firearm examiners
are mostly in the service for a period of 6-10 years with 39 or
73.48 percent, followed by those with 11-15 years in the service

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with 9 or 16.98 percent, next were those with 16-20 years in the
service with 3 respondent or 5.66 percent, then those with 1-5
years in the service with 2 respondent or 3.77 percent and none
reach 21 years of service and above.
On the part of the police investigators most of the
respondents already have 6-10 years with 26 or 76.47 percent,
followed by those with 11-15 years in the service with 4 or
11.76 percent, then those with 1-5 years and 16-20 years of
service wherein both have 2 respondents or 5.88 percent and none
reach 21 years of service and above.
Research Instrument
The major instrument that was used in gathering the data
was the questionnaire. Four sets of survey questionnaire were
distributed to the respondents.
Survey Questionnaire
Part I - Profile of the Respondents.
This was a researcher self-made instrument to gather data
for the description of the respondents of the study to be
presented in Chapter 3. They would be described as to their
gender, age, civil status, highest educational attainment. The
instrument was used on the presumption that respondents are
literate, clearly motivated, and willing to participate.
Part II – Degree of capabilities of Integrated Ballistics
Identification System
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This instrument was a researcher made questionnaire to
evaluate the degree of Capabilities of Integrated Ballistics
Identification System in terms ofIdentification, Crime Solution
and Database System.
This answered the Sub-problem no. 1.
Following are statements indicating the evaluation of the
capabilities of integrated ballistics identification system.
LEGEND:
Value Interpretation Rating Weight
Highly Capable (HC) - 5 - 4.21-5.00
Capable (C) - 4 - 3.41-4.20
Moderately Capable (MC) - 3 - 2.61-3.40
Less Capable (LC) - 2 - 1.81-2.60
Not Capable(NC) - 1 - 1.00-1.80
Part III – Problems encountered by the group of respondents on
the Capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification System.
This instrument is a researcher made questionnaire to
evaluate the problems encountered by the group of respondents on
the Capabilities of Integrated Ballistics Identification System
in terms of Identification, Crime Solution, and Database System.
Following are statements indicating the factors affecting
ballisticians or police investigators in the conduct of forensic
firearms identification.
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LEGEND:
Very Serious (VS) - 5 - 4.21-5.00
Serious (S) - 4 - 3.41-4.20
Moderately Serious (MS) - 3 - 2.61-3.40
Less Serious (LS) - 2 - 1.81-2.60
Not Serious (NS) - 1 - 1.00-1.80
Part IV – Proposed Measures to Address the Problems Encountered
This instrument was a researcher made questionnaire to
evaluate the proposed measures to alleviate the problems
encountered by the group of respondents on the Capabilities of
Integrated Ballistics Identification System in terms of
Identification, Crime solution and Database System.
Following are statements indicating the measures may be
proposed to address the problems encountered by the
ballisticians and police investigators in the conduct of
forensic firearms identification.
LEGEND:
Highly Recommended (HR) - 5 - 4.21-5.00
Recommended (R) - 4 - 3.41-4.20
Moderately Recommended (MR) - 3 - 2.61-3.40
Less Recommended (LR) - 2 - 1.81-2.60
Not Recommended (NR) - 1 - 1.00-1.80

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Interview Guide Questions
The researchers conducted an informal interview to the
group of respondent for some verification and justification
concerning to their ideas written in the questionnaire, this
interview provide additional data or information.
Library Research
Documentary analysis is a social research method and is an
important research tool in its own right and is an invaluable
part of most schemes of triangulation.
Validation of Instrument
The instrument for this research study was validated
through survey questionnaire was first submitted to the thesis
professor for corrections, comments and suggestions in the
appropriateness of language used, clarity of items, right
direction and constructions.
Data Gathering Procedure
The following procedures have undertaken in gathering data
after the validation of the instrument:
1. Submitted letter of request to the Director of PNP Crime
Laboratory and Director of Crime Investigation and
Detection Group for the conduct of the study;
2. Interview Firearm Examiners to ascertain their problems
with regard to the Integrated Ballistics Identification
System (IBIS);
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3. Disseminated the questionnaires to respondents
personally;
4. Collected and answered instrument;
5. Scanned, sorted and tallied response.
6. Tabulated and computed the data gathered with the
assistance of the statistician, adviser and thesis
professor;
7. Analyzed and interpreted the data; and
8. Presented the data textual and tabular presentation with
due consideration of the sub-problems and hypothesis of
this study.
Statistical Treatment of Data
To make the result of this study understandable to
everyone, the gathered data was recorded, established and
interpreted through the use of the following statistical
procedures to attain an in-depth analysis of data:
1. Percentage. To provide meaningful description of profiles and
attributes of the respondents, and aid in the comprehension
of these data, percentage distribution was obtained using
this formula:
f
% = ————————— x 100
N
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Where: % - Percentage
F – frequency of respondents
100 – constant factor
N – total number of respondents
2. Weighted mean – This was used for the quantitative
measurement of the responses on the items selected from the
scale of 5 to 1, going higher points for the most degree and
lesser points for the least degree. The weighted mean is
composed of the accumulated responses to determine the local
weight, which is typical of the respondents response using
the formula
∑WX
Xw = ———————
Where:
Xw = is the weighted mean
WX = the sum of the product of the weighted
frequencies
n = is the total frequencies, or total number of
respondents
∑ = summation
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3. T-test – It is used to compare two different sets of values.
It is generally performed on a small set of data. T test is
generally applied to normal distribution that has a small set
of values. This test compares the mean of two samples. T test
uses means and standard deviations of two samples to make a
comparison. The formula for T test is given below.
Where:
x1¯x1¯ = Mean of first set
x2¯x2¯ = Mean of second set of values
S1 = Standard deviation of first set of values
S2 = Standard deviation of second set of values
n1 = Total number of values in first set
n2 = Total number of values in second set.
Where:
x = Values given
x¯x¯ = Mean
n = Total number of values.

The Problem and Its Background

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The Problem and Its Background

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Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez

Institute of Science and Technology PAGE \

The Problem and Its Background

Every firearm leaves unique markings that serve as

mechanical fingerprints of the gun on bullets and cartridge

“Every contact leaves a trace.” The more violent the crime,

the perpetrator and the victim (Locard’s principle).

The following is Edmond Locard’s own statement of his

“Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he

leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness

against him. All things or traces left, bear mute witness

against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not

confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent

because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical

evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself, it cannot

be wholly absent. Only its interpretation can err. Only human

failure to find it, study and understand it can diminish its

During the time of the Romans, a criminal charge meant

presenting the case before a group of public individuals. Both

the best argumentation and delivery would determine the outcome

skills would win.

The Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network

(CIBIN) is a national network of Integrated Ballistics

Identification System (IBIS) instruments that collect, analyze

and correlate fired bullets and cartridge cases in a central

Prior to entering information into CIBIN, forensic

ballistics analysts work with bullets, cartridges cases and

firearms recovered from crime scenes and other firearms of

interest to police. Electronic representations of bullets and

cartridge cases from anywhere in Canada are entered into the

CIBIN database to create forensic intelligence and generate

CIBIN allows all police in Canada to have their evidence

compared against any evidence from across the country, and

against evidence entered into the U.S. National Integrated

Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). Canada and the United

States have been sharing ballistics information since 2006. In

Explosives established a live connection between the two

ballistics networks. This allows law enforcement in Canada and

data in a real time environment.

It was in year 2010 when the Philippine National Police

(PNP) held a soft launch of its Integrated Ballistic

Identification System (IBIS) at the brand-new IBIS building in

Camp Crame. Manufactured by Forensic Technology of Montreal,

Canada, IBIS is the de facto world standard in automated

firearms identification systems, used in nearly 60 countries,

including the United States, South Africa, and England.

Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to capture,

store, and rapidly compare huge numbers of digital ballistic

images, IBIS dramatically shortens the time to find a match

between two or more pieces of evidence.

With the traditional method the PNP currently uses to

examine ballistic evidence with a comparison microscope, it

would take a PNP Firearms Examiner, working 24/7, more than 13

years just to determine if the recovered evidence matches any of

the more than 1,000,000 licensed firearms. On the criminal

investigation side, it would take the same firearms examiner

almost 1 ½ years to compare against the more than 100,000 pieces

of ballistic evidence currently on file at the PNP Crime

It is this exceedingly long time to do manual comparison

that limits the ability of investigators to leverage the tried

investigation, and in law enforcement. IBIS promises to change

of hours or even minutes for IBIS to compare a piece of evidence