New tools boost NBI 7’s capability

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 hopes to conduct a more scientific crime investigation after it received P3.8 million worth of new equipment for its forensics laboratory.

“We need to have technical services when it comes to the conduct of investigation so it will be more scientific,” NBI 7 Director Antonio Pagatpat said.

An examination and autopsy table, dissecting sink, refrigerator, digital microscope and other equipment arrived from NBI Manila last Thursday.

Pagatpat said they requested for the equipment to realize their vision of having the premier forensics laboratory in Central Visayas.

“We don’t rely only on testimonial evidence. We also need a scientific means of coming up with an airtight case so it will be credible once we file it in court,” he added.

He said that once they transfer to the new NBI 7 building in Barangay Lahug, they plan to convert the old building into a medico-legal office and laboratory.

Dr. Rene Cam, medico-legal officer of NBI 7, welcomed the arrival of the new
equipment, which he said pass international standards. The equipment will help make their work easier, he said.

NBI 7 also plans to put up a chemistry laboratory where they can process toxicology reports.

Cam said there is a possibility that they will be able to conduct DNA tests in the future.