Study examines barriers to identifying human remains in the Philippines and explores forensic odontology as a solution

23 Jun 2026

An effective strategy for human remains identification with a high success rate and low cost is vital for low to low-middle-income countries. Prompt identification of human remains is essential for the swift recovery of families and communities affected by large-scale disasters. However, the systematic integration of forensic disciplines into standard practice remains to be implemented in many areas. Even in countries like the Philippines, where over 20 typhoons occur annually, leaving numerous, even thousands of persons missing for many years after the disaster, institutions continue to struggle in adopting standard protocols for human remains identification (HRI). This paper examines the barriers to implementing such protocols and explores the feasibility of maximizing the use of forensic odontology in the identification process in resource-constrained settings. The discussion highlights the situation in the Philippines resulting from these barriers and provides actionable plans for overcoming these challenges. By doing so, we can maximize the use of available technologies, such as forensic odontology, when local resources are limited, trained professionals are scarce, and a sustainable and efficient operational framework for handling mass fatality incidents (MFIs) is not in place.

This work is significant as it addresses a critical gap in disaster response and postmortem identification in low-resource settings, where the absence of standardized protocols and limited access to advanced forensic technologies have long impeded timely HRI. By highlighting the practicality and value of forensic odontology—an often underutilized yet accessible forensic discipline—this paper underscores the potential to develop scalable, context-appropriate solutions for mass fatality incidents. The findings are especially relevant for countries like the Philippines, where recurrent natural disasters place a heavy burden on already strained forensic systems. Advancing the integration of forensic odontology into disaster preparedness frameworks can enhance identification outcomes, restore dignity to the deceased, and provide much-needed closure to grieving families. Furthermore, the recommendations provided offer a roadmap for policymakers, academic institutions, and disaster response agencies seeking to enhance forensic capabilities through targeted investment in human resource development, inter-agency collaboration, and evidence-based policy reform. In doing so, this work contributes to the global discourse on equitable forensic science and disaster resilience.

Authors: Ernest Joie T. Guzman (Philippine Genome Center, Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics, University of the Philippines | Department of Science and Technology, Science Education Institute, Taguig City, Philippines) and Maria Corazon A. De Ungria (Philippine Genome Center, Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics, University of the Philippines | DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman | Research Ethics Board, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100575

Study examines barriers to identifying human remains in the Philippines and explores forensic odontology as a solution

An effective strategy for human remains identification with a high success rate and low cost is vital for low to low-middle-income countries. Prompt identification of human remains is essential for the swift recovery of families and communities affected by large-scale disasters. However, the systematic integration of forensic disciplines into standard practice remains to be implemented in many areas. Even in countries like the Philippines, where over 20 typhoons occur annually, leaving numerous, even thousands of persons missing for many years after the disaster, institutions continue to struggle in adopting standard protocols for human remains identification (HRI). This paper examines the barriers to implementing such protocols and explores the feasibility of maximizing the use of forensic odontology in the identification process in resource-constrained settings. The discussion highlights the situation in the Philippines resulting from these barriers and provides actionable plans for overcoming these challenges. By doing so, we can maximize the use of available technologies, such as forensic odontology, when local resources are limited, trained professionals are scarce, and a sustainable and efficient operational framework for handling mass fatality incidents (MFIs) is not in place.

This work is significant as it addresses a critical gap in disaster response and postmortem identification in low-resource settings, where the absence of standardized protocols and limited access to advanced forensic technologies have long impeded timely HRI. By highlighting the practicality and value of forensic odontology—an often underutilized yet accessible forensic discipline—this paper underscores the potential to develop scalable, context-appropriate solutions for mass fatality incidents. The findings are especially relevant for countries like the Philippines, where recurrent natural disasters place a heavy burden on already strained forensic systems. Advancing the integration of forensic odontology into disaster preparedness frameworks can enhance identification outcomes, restore dignity to the deceased, and provide much-needed closure to grieving families. Furthermore, the recommendations provided offer a roadmap for policymakers, academic institutions, and disaster response agencies seeking to enhance forensic capabilities through targeted investment in human resource development, inter-agency collaboration, and evidence-based policy reform. In doing so, this work contributes to the global discourse on equitable forensic science and disaster resilience.

Authors: Ernest Joie T. Guzman (Philippine Genome Center, Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics, University of the Philippines | Department of Science and Technology, Science Education Institute, Taguig City, Philippines) and Maria Corazon A. De Ungria (Philippine Genome Center, Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics, University of the Philippines | DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman | Research Ethics Board, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100575