The Government of Japan formally handed over forensic equipment to the newly established National Forensics Institute (NFI) at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine, in a ceremony attended by Ambassador Endo Kazuya. The donation, part of a broader initiative to support forensic investigations into custodial deaths, underscores Japan’s commitment to strengthening the country’s criminal justice system and deepening bilateral judicial cooperation.
According to the Japanese Embassy in Manila, the contribution—worth approximately US$133,000—was channeled through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the “Institutional Investigation of Custodial Deaths Support Project.” Implemented over two and a half years, the project aims to build a credible institutional framework for autopsies in custodial death cases, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
Ambassador Endo described the donation as Japan’s first concrete support for the NFI and a culmination of efforts to enhance the forensic capacity of Philippine law enforcement and judicial institutions. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Department of Justice on custodial death policy development, calling the initiative a cornerstone of stronger Japan–Philippines judicial ties.
