Issuu

MAY

20 21

The Safehouse The Official Newsletter of Student Association of Forensics and Enthusiasts

PRACTITIONER SPOTLIGHT FROM A FORENSIC CHEMIST’S PERSPECTIVE

BIGGER FUNDS FOR PHILIPPINE FORENSICS FORENSIC SCIENCE AS A PREREQUISITE FOR LAW SCHOOL & MEDICAL SCHOOL

VOLUME I | ISSUE NO.1 Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Editor's Letter This newsletter project of Student Association of Forensics and Enthusiasts (SAFE) is a fruit of spontaneity. Essentially, the idea itself started only as a jest between former college publication members President Conrad Tumang, Media and Marketing Director Brittany Yulo, and I. In the long run, reasons to integrate a newsletter became visible: the forensic science program must gain acknowledgement and the field in its entirety needs progression. Then we moved to devising the name of the newsletter. I made sure of one thing, to integrate the word "safe," with reference to our organization. Subsequently, the term "safehouse" popped up and was approved without grasping denotations, hence The Safehouse. I later got refreshed by the fact that a safehouse, commonly cited as safe house, is a sanctuary of protection for victims, witnesses, and even authorities. Accordingly, this project is envisioned as a platform to vanish dismissive notions about forensics. Furthermore, the content would secure readers with knowledgeable directions and viewpoints meriting the discipline of administering justice through science. My gratitude goes to the above-mentioned two, the rest of SAFE Board of Directors, my fellow forensics students, my dear College, and my collaborators in the Newsletter Board. We have more evidence to unfold. From an impulse to a legacy.

Ralph San Miguel Chief Editor, The Safehouse

A Message from the Dean On behalf of the College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensics (CCJEF), I extend my warm congratulations to the officers of Student Association of Forensics and Enthusiasts (SAFE) for establishing their own newsletter, The Safehouse. We are thankful, during these trying times, that the forensic students of CCJEF still find new opportunities, innovation, and development. A heartfelt welcome to all the readers. I am extremely excited to share the first issue of this project. The aim of this newsletter is to provide a platform for forensics students and enthusiasts to promote the forensic science program and to provide relevant information regarding its practice. I hope you find this newsletter a valuable resource in collecting information pertaining to the forensic sciences.

Enjoy reading and Laus Deo Semper!

Dr. Niño M. Kabiling Dean, College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensics

CONTENTS 04 05

Introduction News SAFE virtually establishes First General Assembly

Editorial

Feature

Bigger funds for Philippine forensics

Forensic Science as a Prerequisite for Law School

Feature

Forensic Science as a Prerequisite for Medical School

Three Chameleons shine as USC senators of CCJEF

Practitioner Spotlight: From a Forensic Chemist’s perspective

Introduction Digesting the Duties By Mr. Anthony Jimenez, MSCJ SAFE Adviser

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 48 series of 2012 defined Forensic Science as “the application of scientific principles and techniques to the legal process in support of the proper administration of justice. It is the quest for truth aided by scientific techniques.” Thus, the program aims to produce future forensic scientists and criminalists that would provide aid in judicial processes. Preserving the crime scene, providing objective leads in criminal cases, adapting to the advancement of technology, and contributing to the administration of justice indicate the roles of a forensics professional.

Multiple Opportunities within Forensic Science By Conrado Tumang III

With numerous principles and methodologies, forensics involves the application of scientific and investigative procedures to reinforce the constitutional rights of every human being. Locally, the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory primarily administers forensic services in the country, similarly with other agencies. It involves several divisions in criminal investigation and processing such as the Medico-Legal, Fingerprint Identification, Forensic Chemistry, Physical Identification, Firearms Identification, Questioned Document Examination, Forensic Photography, Polygraphy, DNA Analysis, and Scene of Crime Operations. The advancement of technology has also paved the way for criminal activities to thrive on the internet. Agencies such as the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are fixated in cyber forensics, another discipline that specifically probes on online crimes. However, compared to global standards, the Philippines is considerably behind other countries that highly prioritize forensic services in their judicial process. Forensic Pathology (examination of a corpse to determine the specific cause of death), Forensic Odontology (analysis of dental evidence), Forensic Entomology (application of the biology of insects), Forensic Anthropology (examination of human remains), Forensic Engineering (investigation of faulty materials and structures that result to personal injury or property damage) and many more are yet to be fully practiced or established in the country. Bachelor of Forensic Science fosters experts that will accurately solve distinct criminal cases and deliver unerring justice against excursive lawlessness. Hence, it is a pivotal yet underrated degree, one that is critical in ultimately reforming the Philippine criminal justice system.

Photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels

NEWS

By Brittany Yulo and Ralph San Miguel

NEWS

EDITORIAL

Photo by Natural Sciences Research Institute

Bigger Funds For Philippine Forensics The Safehouse

During the scrutinization of the General Appropriations Bill of 2021, Senator Panfilo Lacson told GMA News Online about the importance of investing more public funds in research and development for the improvement of forensic capabilities. The Philippine National Police chief-turned-legislator further justified that the country's criminal justice system should adhere more to scientific evidence. Only 0.4% of the national budget has been allocated to research and development throughout the years. The country's allotment to R&D is unelevated thus the forensic science field in the Philippines is known to have gaps.

Providing more capital for innovations in forensics escalates operations of crime laboratories while carrying out long-term benefits. In 2015, the National Institute of Justice of the United States Department of Justice stressed that high-tech workstations and robotics can process large numbers of DNA samples at once. A research supported by the NIJ assisted the development of fully automated systems which simultaneously analyze a large number of biological evidence, such as blood and hair strands, for finding their genetic profile. The justice research agency accorded that developed workstations both make more efficient laboratories and lower the cost of DNA processing. This kind of innovation would be put to good use among mass fatality victims caused by super typhoons, massacres, bombings, and other incidents.

The shift need not to focus only on innovating current technologies as old forensic techniques still exist and in need of a mere modernization.

EDITORIAL

Dr. Raquel Fortun, a distinguished forensic pathologist in the country, related the field of forensics in the Philippines to the United States, but in the 1960s. Paraffin tests were junked by the U.S. in the mentioned decade, according to the forensic expert. Another Filipino forensic pathologist, Dr. Cecilia Lim, stated that the Philippines is the only country in the world which still uses the medico-legal system, citing lack of experts. Instituting a death investigation system was suggested by the former and the latter. Moreover, Senate President Vicente Sotto III agreed to Senator Lacson's stand, saying that a simple way to update the forensic capabilities of the Philippines is to grant a sufficient amount of budget.

The Forensic Science Institute Bill, a statute aiming to establish a forensics research center in the University of the Philippines System, has been repeatedly filed both in the Senate and House of Representatives to no avail. Such legislation would be a leeway on appropriating more research and development funds in the application of science to the justice system. Ultimately, expanding the budget of the concerning element paves a way to enrich the capacity of the country’s forensic capacity. Funding science is funding the truth. Developing forensics is defending the truth.

While the number of crime laboratories and academic institutions offering the referred program rises, there is still no independent research institute focusing solely in the forensic sciences for it remains to be a piece of paper.

Ralph San Miguel Chief Editor

MASTHEAD

The Safehouse Newsletter Board A.Y. 2020-2021

Brittany Yulo Deputy Editor & Layout Artist

Angelika Herrera Staff Writer

Dealen Espiritu Staff Writer

Kate Buan Staff Writer

Conrado Tumang III Staff Writer

Faye Baul Layout Artist

Joshua Sta. Ana Layout Artist

FEATURE

Forensic Science as a Prerequisite for Law School The immense development of technology throughout the years tantamount to the vigorous improvement in any aspect of our lives, and among these improvements are the elements that uphold justice.

Photo by Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence

Various criminal cases have been experienced by the Philippines. Not to mention cases of murder, drugs, rape, domestic and sexual abuses, and other heinous crimes therein. The law enforcement, together with the judiciary system, have continued to work hand-in-hand in the attainment of justice, and one pertinent element of the law enforcement field is the application of science to the law, or basically, the use of forensic science. Forensic science, as defined by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is the application of different scientific principles and techniques to the legal process supporting the administration of justice. In most cases, forensic science and the law have this interconnection in a way that for one to thrive and achieve its purpose, the other must be present, and vice-versa. After all, the main objective of these two fields is to seek and uphold justice by identifying the real offender and exonerating the innocent.

09 In lieu of this, the continuous strive for growth and improvement in the criminal justice education in our country remains with an utmost priority. Having Bachelor of Forensic Science as a prerequisite degree for entering law school, or the Juris Doctor program, can be highly recommended due to several courses that are in consistent with the curriculum for studying to become a lawyer. Based on the Forensic Science curriculum of Holy Angel University for Academic Year 2019-2020, Criminal Law I, Criminal Law II, Forensic Medicine, Criminal Procedure, and Rules on Evidence are to be taken by forensics students throughout their fouryear degree. Likewise in the Juris Doctor program, as stipulated in the curriculum of Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Law for the Academic Year 2020-2021, the said four core subjects are to be taken by law students within their four-year endeavor in law school. With that, the inclusion of science in the field of law has been nothing but beneficial in various criminal cases; providing physical evidence in court that can either be conclusive or corroborating to the statements of the persons involved. The continuous development of technology has made forensic science a valid and accurate element in court proceedings, that a growing number of demands for lawyers that have the knowledge and understanding of the science in addressing legal cases has been a trend in the criminal justice field. The interpretation of scientific data and analyses plays a critical role in the judicial process, upholding justice accurately and inclined with the current emerging technology today—to which forensic science has been made wholly reliable to.

FEATURE

Photo by Marco Di Lauro / Getty Images

Forensic science is the application of scientific principles in the administration of justice. The Bachelor of Forensic Science program offers a wide range of expertise on various fields that utilizes the application of sciences such as biological sciences, physical sciences, medical sciences, social sciences, and computer science. The Commission on Higher Education's Memorandum Order No. 48, Series of 2012 released the official standards and guidelines that should be followed by a higher education institution to offer the discussed degree program. A number of courses taken in the Doctor of Medicine program are associated, if not parallel, to those in the forensic science curriculum. Based on the Doctor of Medicine curriculum of St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial for Academic Year 2020-2021, Anatomy and Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, General Pathology, Microbiology, Clinical Pathology, and Legal Medicine, are courses taken by medical students that appertain to the other concerning program. As specified on the Bachelor of Forensic Science curriculum of Holy Angel University for Academic Year 2019-2020, pertinent courses are Biology, General Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Medicine 1, Forensic Medicine 2, Introduction to DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology, and Forensic Pathology (elective).

Popular belief often perceives medical doctors and the field of medicine as something that is centered on preserving life. When in fact, medicine is applicable to different aspects of health such as diagnosis, biological research, and surgery. To give emphasis, the application of medical knowledge to law has conceived a union of what we know today as forensic medicine. In recent years, this branch of medical expertise has been growing fast in popularity due to its high demand, both in law and medicine. Dr. A.W. Goode and Dr. James Malcolm Cameron, forensic medicine research professors, described the application of medicine to the law as a key to the past, the explanation of the present, and to some extent a signpost to the future. With reference to pathology, it is the study of "causes and effects" of health-related phenomena such as diseases, ailments, injuries, and the like. Forensic Pathology is concerned with the application of these pathological principles to the investigation of the medicolegal aspects of death by performing postmortem examination or autopsy. Documented forms of application of forensic pathology goes as far back as 2650-2600 B.C. during the height of Ancient Egyptian Civilization. Nowadays, such procedure is often required by courts especially on controversial cases as it provides admissible evidence guided by science.

FEATURE

hameleons shine as USC senators of CCJEF Even amid a crisis, student leaders find their voice to serve and shed optimism, hope, and motivation for the studentry. Three forensic science students represent the College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensics (CCJEF) as elected and appointed senators of the Holy Angel University Student Council (HAUSC) for the academic year 2020-2021. Vincent Santos, Marshyll Evangelista, and Deon Aquino are all students in the Bachelor of Forensic Science program, the former as a freshman and the latter as both sophomores and pioneering students. Despite facing adversity, all three continued to serve the school community. Santos, who is concurrently a senator and Director for Community Extension Services Committee, helped establish projects such as The HAUwak Kamay Donation Drive and a webinar on mental health titled MIND MATTERS. Evangelista, CCJEF Senator and House Secretary and Parliamentarian, handled several events in her term in the University Kick-Off and the University Days. She is also involved in weekly HAUSC postings, namely Throwback Thursdays and Sustainable Saturdays. Whilst being a senator, Aquino was appointed as the Associate Director for Minor Grievances Committee on Student Services where he extended his hand in resolving queries regarding technical and password related issues and in contributing ideas and concepts for USCrelated occasions and activities. He is also an officer-in-charge in a University Days 2021 event, which is going to be his final project under the HAUSC.

FEATURE

Dealing with leadership challenges in this new environment “Leaders are also human. The other officers and I have experienced the mental health challenges. Although, we try to overcome it because we are inspired by how strong our fellow students are,” said Santos. He mentioned that serving amid the pandemic is one of the hardest experiences he encountered as a leader. Santos added that his faith in God kept him going. “In periods of instability, such as during the pandemic, confidence in leadership is necessary for transformative, concerted action,” said Evangelista. She is keeping a hopeful attitude by instilling faith and by taking responsible action through persistent training, planning and thorough searching in order to prepare a response. “As a senator of USC, a volunteer of an organization, a student and a son, nahihirapan ako kung ano ang dapat unahin,” said by Aquino. With the current set up, he is admittedly in a challenging environment since it is hard for him to communicate with his co-officers. Their qualities and values as student leaders “Serving people, fighting for their rights, and representing them with utmost sincerity,” according to Santos, are his aims in reflection of his values. His value of service, together with efficiency, and humility, makes him work competently on his performance as a leader. “I have the transparency to create trust within the student body that can push through on my professional life of being a good leader,” said Evangelista. She emphasized that her patience and ability to have a proper time management helped her give out support to the student body. “My values as a leader include having respect for my colleagues, being pro-student, and making sure that I finish my work before or on time,” expressed by Aquino. He also stated that time is of importance to him as a student leader, since dealing with academics and with the council requires good time management. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an ongoing crisis for universities, giving rise to significant challenges that affect its entirety, including student leadership. In spite of that, student leaders continue to do their best to serve and work behind digital devices and with reduced resources.

FEATURE

By Angelika Herrera

FEATURE