DACERA’S DEATH | NBI says ‘encouraging leads’ found after second autopsy

January 11, 2021 , 08:47 PM

(January 11, 2021) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday said it found “very encouraging leads” to support the claim there was a foul play on the death of a 23-year-old flight attendant after conducting a second autopsy.

Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said the autopsy found some evidence even after the body was embalmed despite an expert forensic pathologist claims that nothing much can be found since the cadaver was cleaned of possible evidence.

“We have very interesting, encouraging results,” Lavin told reporters, adding that laboratory processes and examinations are still being conducted.

“Tiningnan namin lahat, against all odds. They said it has already deteriorated. There was rapid decay in some of the pieces of evidence. There was contamination considering the embalming procedures done on her, [which] compromised the pieces of evidence. We acknowledge that. But despite the odds, may encouraging leads kami.”

NBI, nakakuha ng ‘encouraging leads’ sa Dacera case

Nakakuha ang NBI ng “encouraging leads” matapos ang isinagawang reautopsy sa labi ni Christine Dacera noong Sabado sa General Santos City, kung saan lumalabas na maaaring may krimeng nangyari, ayon kay NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin. | via Lyn Olavario

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Posted by News5 on Monday, January 11, 2021

Last week, Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra had asked the NBI to conduct a second autopsy after the initial examination conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) provided inconclusive evidence regarding the death of the Philippine Airlines cabin crew after a night of partying on New Year’s Day.

Initial autopsy results showed Dacera died of ruptured aortic aneurysm, but the family refused to believe their relative died of natural causes. They have already filed an administrative case before the PNP Internal Affairs Service to kick the medico-legal officer out of police service due to “gross negligence” in conducting the first autopsy.

Despite the lack of sufficient evidence, national chief General Debold Sinas was quick to conclude there was foul play on Dacera’s death, declaring the case was solved.

Forensic expert Raquel Fortun said there was a problem in the initial autopsy since it was only conducted after the body has been embalmed.

Lavin, for his part, said they are conducting the examination to find out the truth about Dacera’s death so all parties involved in the case will be able to move forward.

“We are not saying that meron ditong makakasuhan. It’s too presumptuous to say. It’s too early to say. Ang sa amin dito, ano ba talaga ang totoo,” Lavin said, further asking: “If there were criminal violations committed, who are the offenders? Who are the perpetrators? Who committed what? Anong na-violate nila? How did they commit it? Anong support sa evidence namin?”

He said the forensic evidence will be collated and compared with other pieces of evidence and eyewitness accounts to build an airtight case.

The NBI has also summoned the 11 respondents linked to the case, maintaining that their investigation will be backed up by evidence.

“Well, without commenting on other investigations, our investigation is going to be very legal, it’s going to be very thorough. This is forensic-based. This is evidence-based,” Lavin said, urging the remaining respondents to give their testimony to the agency as part of the investigation process.

“We respect your right, but we would appreciate it if you can cooperate in this investigation. If you want to clear your name, come with your lawyer. You will have the full protection of the NBI. We will make sure that everything will be done according to our rules, laws, so legal yung gagawing imbestigasyon,” Lavin added.

Guevarra said he expects the results to be released next week but refused to give more information , saying it is “more prudent to await further narrative accounts and the results of the NBI forensic examination.”

(with reports from Lyn Olavario, News5; Beatrice Puente and Kiko Demigillo/MM)

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