NBI: DNA of skeletal remains matches result of rape-slay victim’s test in Palawan
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MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday confirmed through a DNA examination that the skeletal remains found in Palawan were Jovelyn Galleno, the alleged victim of a rape-slay incident.
The NBI conducted the test to address the worries of the victim’s family about the probable inaccuracy in the DNA test results released by the Philippine National Police Forensic Group, which did an initial DNA analysis of the human remains that the authorities discovered in Purok Pulang Lupa, Brgy. Sta Lourdes.
According to the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division (NBI-FCD), “the DNA profile from the samples collected from the skeletal remains found by the PNP in Palawan matches with Jovelyn Galleno based on the DNA profile from its reference/biological parents with a 99.99% probability of relationship.”
Following a study of relevant sworn statements and witness interviews, the NBI then ascertained that the skeletal remains discovered by the PNP indeed belonged to Galleno, the 22-year-old woman who went missing on August 5.
Investigators also pushed the filing of criminal charges against the two suspects — Leobert A. Dasmariñas and Jovert Valdestamon — who confessed being involved in the rape and homicide of the victim.
The PNP then filed a complaint for rape with homicide before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Puerto Princesa City against the suspects. Trisha Manalaysay, INQUIRER.net trainee
