Yamsuan: Science-based crime probe methods needed to improve PNP’s investigative skills

Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan has sought the passage of his proposed measure that aims to enhance the investigative skills of law enforcers by providing them access to forensic techniques and other modern, science-based methods of probing crime scenes.

Yamsuan said his proposed legislation outlined in House Bill (HB) 2244 will complement the initiatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strengthen its crime prevention and response efforts.

“We laud both the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for intensifying its efforts to prevent crime and keep our communities safe through programs such as the Unified 911 Emergency Response System launched last week. However, we also need to ensure that when a crime is committed, our police officers are well-versed in securing evidence and using science-driven investigative methods,” said Yamsuan, a former DILG Assistant Secretary.

HB 2244 is also “a timely and forward-looking measure as it builds on the momentum of recent advancements in forensic science in the Philippines, including the launch of the National Forensics Institute of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila in June of this year,” Yamsuan noted.

He pointed out that improving crime investigation methods is a critical aspect of law enforcement that cannot be neglected, because this determines whether cases filed in court by law enforcers would prosper or be dismissed.

Yamsuan said the use of obsolete crime investigation techniques undermines the credibility of criminal investigations and erodes public trust in our law enforcement agencies.

Such outdated techniques include paraffin testing to determine the discharge of firearms, which the Supreme Court has already declared as inconclusive and unreliable more than three decades ago, and abandoned as part of casework in other countries.

“”Our methods of criminal investigation should keep pace with the rapid advances in science and technology. Enacting House Bill 2244 into law will form part of the reforms in our justice system,” Yamsuan said.

HB 2244 provides rigid standards and principles in conducting investigations, with the goal of ensuring the integrity of evidence obtained in crime scenes.

The bill also calls for the creation of a Crime Investigation Modernization Committee (CIMC) chaired by the Secretary of the DILG, and with the chief of the PNP, the director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and two forensic experts appointed by the President, as members.

This Committee is tasked, among others, to conduct a study on modern criminal investigation methods and their applicability to the Philippine setting, and create a crime investigation manual for law enforcement officers, in accordance with the standards set under the bill.

The CIMC is also responsible for sending scholars for training in forensic science and related fields. These scholars are required to render government service for at least 3 years after completing their studies and training.

Within three years after its creation, the CIMC is mandated to submit a report to Congress on the costs and ways of implementing a comprehensive program on modernizing crime investigations.

Under the bill, the CIMC is also tasked to engage in dialogues with foreign police agencies for the possible transfer of technology in forensic investigations.