PATRICK P.

DELA PEÑA 6/14/23

BMLS

NAGUILIAN, Isabela – A woman was found dead Tuesday, August 9, in Barangay Quinalabasa here hours
after she was reported missing by her husband.

Josie Bonifacio, a 40-year-old resident of Barangay Quirino, Naguilian, Isabela, was reported missing after
she failed to show up for her doctor's appointment at Godswill Hospital in Cauayan City. Unfortunately, her
lifeless body was discovered in a cornfield in Naguilian. The Isabela Police Provincial Office confirmed her
identity. Upon examination, her body showed signs of blood, lacerations on her neck and wrists, and
severe wounds on her head and body.
Barangay Captain Marlon Canceran reported the discovery of a woman's body in the cornfield, which was
later identified by Josie's husband. The Isabela Forensic Unit, led by Police Major Loreta dela Cruz,
processed the crime scene for evidence.
Following an investigation, a 44-year-old tricycle driver named Arnel Quitho from Barangay Magsaysay was
arrested in connection with the murder. Quitho was the last person seen with Josie, as she frequently used
his tricycle as a service vehicle. It was revealed that the victim had been pressuring Quitho to repay a debt.
He promised to repay her but lured her to a cornfield, where he brutally attacked her with a knife.
The suspect eventually confessed to the crime after cooperation from his family and was subsequently
taken into custody by the police. Police Major Junneil Perez, the chief of police, considered the case solved
and confirmed that the suspect will face charges in court.
During natural catastrophes, crimes, or violent situations, DNA analysis is crucial in identifying victims.
When human remains are retrieved from such situations, DNA samples are collected from a variety of
sources, including bones, teeth, hair, blood, and other biological tissues, in order to create unique profiles.
To identify the victims, these characteristics are compared to reference samples.
Personal possessions, family members of missing people, or preserved DNA databases can all be used to
collect reference samples. DNA profiles from unidentified remains are matched to existing databases of
missing individuals, which frequently contain DNA samples donated willingly by relatives. This comparison
identifies probable matches, which aids in victim identification.
To extract, amplify, and analyze DNA from found remains, forensic analytical procedures such as
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, or Single Nucleotide
Polymorphism (SNP) analysis are used. These procedures aid in determining the unique genetic markers
found in each individual, allowing for more reliable identification.
Forensic professionals can establish positive identifications or rule out probable matches by comparing the
DNA profiles of unidentified remains with reference samples. This method depends on detecting genetic
similarities or differences between recovered DNA and reference samples, which aids in the identification of
victims.
In cases where reference samples from direct relatives of missing individuals are available, DNA analysis
can be used for kinship analysis. By comparing the genetic profiles of the remains and the relatives, it is
possible to confirm or exclude familial relationships. This approach enhances the identification process by
establishing kinship connections.
Overall, DNA analysis serves as a powerful tool in victim profiling and identification. It enables forensic
experts to establish individual profiles, compare them with reference samples, utilize missing persons
databases, conduct forensic analysis, perform DNA profiling, and even determine kinship relationships.
These advancements in DNA analysis significantly contribute to the successful identification of victims in
various scenarios.

REFERENCE:

Manila Bulletin. (2022, August 10). Woman reported missing in Isabela turns up dead; suspect
arrested. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/10/woman-reported-missing-in-
isabela-turns-up-dead/