MASS FATALITY CHAP6 - PHASE 1

Phase 1: Scene

processing human remains and property at the disaster site

Phase 2: Post-mortem

detailed examination of human remains in the mortuary

Phase 3: Ante-mortem

collection of missing person data from various sources

Phase 4: Reconciliation

matching post-mortem and ante-mortem data

Operational Section (for recovery and evidence collection)

• responsible for: Recovery of all bodies and body parts at the disaster site

• Collection and preservation of property found at the disaster site that does not correspond directly to the recovery of human remains

• Collection and preservation of other personal effects of disaster victims found in the extended surroundings of the disaster area (e.g. personal belongings of victims in hotels)

Chief of Police (COP)

serves as the initial site commander in a disaster and will turn over the responsibility to the AFP upon arrival of the AFP Task Group (except in NCR)

Team Briefing

• Before starting operations, all personnel must be briefed on:

  • The current situation

  • Roles and responsibilities

  • Assigned tasks

Support Personnel:

Include external helpers or volunteers as needed

Visual Aids

• Provide sketches, maps, or floor plans of the disaster area to assist in navigation and planning.

Sector Assignment:

• The disaster site should be divided into sectors. Each team is assigned a specific sector, which is designated by the Sector Operations Commander.

Systematic Search:

• Teams should work methodically, covering every part of their assigned area.

Protective Gear:

• All personnel must wear safety equipment such as:

  • Helmets

  • Protective overalls

  • Boots

  • Rubber gloves

  • Face masks

Recovery Tools:

Each team should carry enough equipment and documentation materials to recover human remains and collect evidence properly

Grid System:

• Overlaying the disaster area with a grid helps ensure:

  • Complete coverage

  • Accurate recording

  • Consistent photographic documentation

When Grid Is Not Feasible

• Use aerial photographs, maps, numbered floor plans, or ground sketches.

Sub-Gridding:

• Break down large sectors into smaller grids to allow for more detailed and systematic searching.

Entry and Exit Points

• Establish clear entry and exit routes for safety and efficiency.

• The sector chosen for entry/exit must be processed first to allow safe access to other areas

Recovery of Human Remains

Handled by the Recovery and Evidence Collection Team

Locate and Identify:

• Use the Victim Recovery Booklet to document where remains are found.

Expose and Retrieve:

• Carefully uncover and retrieve remains, using appropriate tools and support staff if needed.

Mark the Remains

Place a numbered post or evidence marker at the location, ensuring the number is clearly visible and cannot be erased.

Assign Recovery Number

Each set of remains is given a unique recovery number, which will be used throughout the identification process.

Document the Scene

Describe the location in detail, take photographs, and create sketches or use GPS/crime scene instruments to record the exact position.

Attach Recovery Number

Label the remains with the assigned number, which must stay with the remains at all times.

Use INTERPOL DVI Forms

Fill out the Victim Recovery documentation, referencing the assigned number

Transport Remains:

Move the body bag to the Recovery Command Centre or Mortuary.

Submit Documentation

Prepare and hand over all completed recovery forms, and request new recovery documents as needed for additional recoveries.

Body Bag Procedures

Place the remains in a body bag, attach the same recovery number outside the bag, and seal the bag securely.

Use a Search Plan

Develop and follow a search plan tailored to the disaster area to ensure systematic coverage and organized recovery

Control Access to the Scene

• Restrict movement in the area, ensuring human remains or personal belongings are not moved or disturbed until fully documented.

Prepare Adequate Supplies

Ensure a sufficient stock of body bags, evidence tags, stakes, and marking tools is available before starting recovery operations.

Mark Exact Locations

Map out a grid of the area and precisely record the location of each body or body part relative to other evidence

Bagging of Remains

Place remains and clearly connected personal belongings in the same body bag, while placing unlinked body parts in separate bags.

Documentation

Take photographs, complete written records using INTERPOL DVI forms, and assign matching identification numbers to both the body bag and the remains inside.

Locate and Record

Find and log where personal belongings and property are located, both inside the disaster site and in nearby areas (e.g. hotel rooms).

Mark and Document the Area

Clearly mark the exact location where items were found and include this information in the documentation

Complete an Evidence List

Create a detailed evidence list of all recovered items

Label and Package Properly

Tag each item with an evidence label and pack it securely

Transfer to Evidence/Property Collection Centre

Promptly move all property and personal effects to the designated Evidence/Property Collection Centre.

Site Evidence Administrator

If the centre is far from the site, appoint a ____________ to manage the collection and forwarding of items

Handle Extended-Site Belongings

Gather and document items found in extended areas (e.g. hotel rooms) and list them clearly in the recovery records.

Maintain Chain of Custody

When transferring personal effects, record the handover using a receipt/transfer form signed by both parties to ensure the chain of custody is preserved.

Store and Protect Property:

Ensure all items are properly packaged and securely stored

Prepare for Further Examination:

Record and hand over items that need forensic or identification analysis

Analyze for Identification:

Examine belongings (e.g., ID cards, valuables) for information that may help identify victims.

Separate Storage:

Clearly distinguish between evidence and personal property. Label property items accordingly in the documentation

Photograph Items:

Take clear photos of property items to aid in identification and future matching

Return to Families:

Once identified and processed, arrange for personal property to be returned to the rightful owners or next of kin

Local Health Officer

should look after the health conditions and needs of the responders and volunteers.

Department of Health (DOH)

If the Local Health Office cannot cope, it can request support from the ____.

Armed Forces of the Philippines of the Department of National Defense (AFP-DND)

leads the dead body search and recovery operation

Philippine National Police (PNP)

For the National Capital Region (NCR) - ____ shall lead the Search and Rescue Operation and will be supported by other agencies.