Photo credit: Provincial Government of Davao de Oro

Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga joined the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Unit, together with local official in identifying bodies and establishing the temporary interment of 8 people and 6 unidentified body parts at the Maco Public Cemetery, Brgy Hijo, Maco, Davao de Oro, yesterday, February 14 of this year.

Before their interment, guided by the NBI-DVI, the unidentified victims underwent a thorough process, including a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death and facilitate the identification of the cadavers.

Subsequently, an opportunity was given to their potential families to come forward and identify them. However, with no claimants within the 72-hour window, the collection of DNA and tagging proceeded at St. Peter Funeral Homes Montevista and Community-Cofreros Rosario Funeral Homes (Landa), Mawab, where the temporary interment followed.

The aim of this process is to facilitate the recognition of the deceased if any family members come forward.

Government authorities also committed to providing continuous support to all families affected by this tragic incident.