Developing the National Capability for Forensic DNA Typing in the Philippines
Saturnina C. Halos
DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute & National Institute of
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Science, University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
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The President of the Republic of the Philippines approved in March, 1997, the establishment of a DNA Analysis Laboratory at the University of the Philippines as a joint project of the Philippine Anti Crime Commission and the University of the Philippines. The Laboratory primarily is a research and training facility with functions that include validation and development of DNA typing procedures, generation of genetic databases, development and implementation of a personnel training and laboratory accreditation program for DNA typing by Philippine laboratories and providing independent check for DNA analyses done in other laboratories. Genetic databasing has been started with the collection of blood/buccal samples from various regions and tribal groups and analyses is being carried out on the VNTR locus, D1S80 and 9 STR loci. The Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and students of the National Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology are assisting the personnel of the Laboratory in this activity. Both manual and automatic DNA typing with Promega GenePrintÔ systems and ALF Express are used for STR analysis. A DNA typing training program for personnel of the two central crime laboratories in the country have been started. A test case involving sexual assault has been requested by a legal office. The paper shall further discuss some constraints faced since implementation.
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