THE PROTOCOL FOR REVIVING COLD CRIMINAL CASES

THE PROTOCOL FOR REVIVING COLD CRIMINAL CASES

The pursuit of justice does not come with an expiration date. Every unsolved crime represents a lingering wound in society—a case file gathering dust while victims’ families wait for answers. The good news is that the legal framework to revive cold criminal cases in the Philippines is already in place. The bad news? The organizational structures and resources required to operationalize these protocols remain weak and underfunded.

Cold Cases: A Justice System’s Unfinished Business

Cold cases—unsolved criminal investigations that remain open due to a lack of evidence or leads—are a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In the Philippines, authorities are already overwhelmed with ongoing or “live” cases, leaving cold cases on the back burner. However, new evidence, such as advancements in DNA technology, can bring fresh hope to long-dormant investigations.

The Legal Foundation is There—Now What?

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) already have the legal mandate to revive cold cases when new leads emerge. However, without a dedicated system, these cases often remain untouched. Other countries, like the United States and the United Kingdom, have dedicated Cold Case Units that routinely re-examine old cases with fresh forensic techniques. Why can’t we do the same?

Strengthening the Infrastructure for Cold Cases

To effectively revive cold cases, we must bolster the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies. Some key recommendations include:

1.   Establishing Cold Case Units in Every City and Municipality

o   These units should be backed by provincial and regional offices to ensure a nationwide coordinated effort.

2.   Strengthening DNA Forensic Laboratories at the Provincial Level

o   DNA evidence has been instrumental in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and identifying perpetrators years after a crime was committed. Investing in forensic capabilities is non-negotiable.

3.   Integrating Cold Case Investigations into Law Enforcement Training

o   The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) should incorporate cold case methodologies in its curriculum, with career officers undergoing regular refresher courses.

4.   Legislating Budget Allocations for Cold Case Investigations

o   Dedicated government funding is needed to support cold case units, advanced forensic tools, and digital investigative techniques.

5.   Encouraging Public Participation and Whistleblower Protection

o   Many cold cases remain unsolved because witnesses fear retaliation. Strengthening witness protection laws and offering incentives for information could encourage people to come forward.

A Justice System That Never Gives Up

Countries that prioritize cold case investigations have seen remarkable breakthroughs decades after crimes were committed. In the United States, the advent of genetic genealogy has led to the resolution of cases from the 1970s and 1980s. In the UK, routine case reviews and advances in forensic science have helped deliver long-overdue justice.

With the right resources, political will, and institutional commitment, the Philippines can ensure that no case is ever truly “closed” until justice is served. If evidence exists, if witnesses still remember, and if technology can reveal new truths, then we owe it to the victims and their families to keep searching for answers.

Justice delayed should never mean justice denied.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

02-25-2025

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