MANAGEMENT OF THE DEAD AND MISSING PERSONS (MDM)

TRAINING COURSE

I. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

In disaster management, most efforts are focused on the management of the survivors
while very least considerations are given to the dead and the missing. Major disasters
in the Philippines these past years recorded increasing numbers of dead and missing
persons. In 2011, Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi) struck the
cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Southern Philippines, caused flash floods and
landslides, with a total of 1,268 persons reported dead and hundreds missing. When
Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) made landfall in Mindanao on December
2012, the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley were mostly affected
causing landslide and massive flash floods, where a total of 1,067 persons were
reported dead and hundreds were also reported missing. During Typhoon Yolanda
(international name: Haiyan), the worst disaster ever to hit the country, it was reported
that a total of 6,300 died and 1,785 missing.

In addition to these disasters, the Philippines also experienced human-induced

disasters, such as the Zamboanga Siege in 2013 where 140 people died; 91 persons
were confirmed killed and 48 persons still missing from the Cebu maritime disaster on
16 August 2013 where passenger vessel MV Thomas Aquinas collided with Cargo
Vessel Express 7 of Sulpicio Lines. Fire razed the Kentex factory in Valenzuela City
on 13 May 2015 where a total of 72 persons were killed, many of whom burned beyond
recognition and disaster victim identification posed a major challenge. Most recently,
38 people died and 54 were wounded at the Resorts World Manila integrated resort
following an attack in the early morning hours by a lone gunman who fired shots using
an assault rifle and set fire to gambling tables. The situation can be classified as a
complex emergency after the lone active shooter set the building on fire causing panic
and caused the death by suffocation of most of the victims. Medics and fire fighters
could not enter the premises because the protocols then required that the active
shooter must be neutralized first. The delays in proper response did not help the
victims trapped inside the casino area.

The government plays a critical role in standardizing and guiding the tasks of handling
dead bodies (retrieval, identification and final disposal), as well as missing persons
and bereaved families, ensuring that legal norms are followed and guaranteeing that
the dignity of the deceased and their families are respected, in accordance with their
cultural and religious beliefs.

The approved NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 19, s. 2016 on the Rules and
Regulations Governing the Implementation of the Management of the Dead and
Missing Persons was used in the management the dead and missing, as well as the

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
bereaved families, during and after the Marawi Crisis. It was proven effective as to the
principles and operationalization of the guidelines which provided clear perspectives
in handling such unique operations. However, the lack of proper training and
knowledge of key players and stakeholders also provided a major obstacle in
conducting the actual operations. With this, there is a need to train stakeholders and
responders in the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons, which will highlight
the core principles, features, roles and responsibilities, as well as functions of MDM at
the national, regional and local levels.

II. OBJECTIVES

General

At the end of the training, the participants will acquire the knowledge, skills and overall
understanding of the policies and guidelines of the management of the dead and
missing persons and bereaved families as a result of disasters.

Specific

Upon completion of the training, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of the management of the dead and missing

during disasters as part of the National Disaster Response Plan and as
related to the Incident Command System;
2. Identify the roles and responsibilities of each agency under the
Management of the Dead and Missing Cluster;
3. Explain the process of handling dead bodies, the importance of the chain
of custody, reports generation and gathering, reports about missing
persons and the bereaved families of the dead and missing;
4. Describe the process of reporting disaster casualties; and
5. Apply the general principles of the management of the dead, missing
persons and bereaved families in a practical exercise.

III. DURATION

Three (3) Days live-in training

IV. LEARNING METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

 Interactive-lecture discussion
 Workshops
 Structured exercises
 Demonstration/Return-demonstration

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
V. MODULE DESCRIPTION

MODULES DESCRIPTIONS
Course Overview This will provide the overall expectations of the training.
Module 1: Overview on It is an incident management concept accepted
Incident Command throughout the world which can be used by DRRMCs
System from the national down to the local levels for all types of
hazards, whether natural or human-induced.
Module 2: Introduction This module is an introduction to the concept and
to MDM principles of MDM. Highlights and developments of
MDM will be the key features.
Module 3: MDM This module will give an overview on the possible MDM
Facilities Facilities and its functions that needs to be set-up
during an MDM Operations.
Module 4: Handling This module presents the proper way of handling dead
Dead Bodies and Body bodies and body parts in accordance with international
Parts standards. One key feature of this module is the
interface of the Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR),
and MDM Clusters.
Module 5: Final This module will highlight the importance of proper final
Arrangement of the disposition of the dead (identified or unidentified) that is
Dead accordance to cultural and religious beliefs. A key
feature of this module is the LGUs’ strong leadership in
facilitating the arrangements.
Module 6: Reporting This module will focus on the importance of reporting
Missing Persons missing persons associated with the disaster as this
this a requirement in verification and validation. A key
feature of this module is how to properly retrieve
information from key informants.
Module 7: Management Families of casualties are usually categorized together
of the Bereaved Families with the victims without casualties. This module is a
unique feature of the training because there are special
needs in addressing these concerns and provide case
management for bereaved families.
Module 8: Report This module emphasizes the importance of classifying
Development (Verifying, the reported casualties and its relevance to the incident,
Validating, and including its repercussions.
Reporting Disaster
Casualties)
Module 9: MDM Special This module will provide lessons learned from
Cases and Process Flow experiences in MDM operations, as well as challenges
and special concerns.

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
VI. TRAINING SCHEDULE

DAY 0

Time Agenda OPR

02:00–04:00 PM Arrival of training team and participants* Secretariat
04:00–05:00 PM Instructors Meeting: Training Team
 Preliminaries
 Rundown of training course flow
 Module assignments
05:00–06:00 PM Venue Preparation Training Team

DAY 1

Time Agenda OPR

08:00—08:30 AM Arrival of Participants, and Registration Secretariat
08:30—09:00 AM Preliminaries/Opening Program Secretariat
 Philippine National Anthem
 Invocation
 Message
09:00—10:00 AM Course Overview Training Team
10:00—11:00 AM ---Working Break
Module 1: Overview of Incident
Command System
11:00—12:00 NN Module 2: Introduction to MDM
12:00—01:00 PM Lunch
01:00—02:00 PM Module 3: MDM Facilities
02:00—03:00 PM Module 4: Handling of Dead Bodies and
Body Parts

Module 4.1: Search, Rescue, and

Retrieval (SRR)
03:00—03:15 PM Break
03:15—04:00 PM Cont. of Module 4.1
04:00—05:00 PM Module 4.2: Disaster Victim Identification
05:00—05:30 PM Daily Course Evaluation Secretariat

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
 DAY 2

Time Agenda OPR

07:30—08:00 AM Registration Secretariat
08:00—08:30 AM Preliminaries
 Invocation*
 Recap of Day 1
 Energizers*
08:30—10:00 AM Cont. of Module 4 (return-demonstration)
10:00—10:15 AM Break
10:15—12:00 NN Module 5: Final Arrangements of the
Dead
12:00—01:00 PM Lunch
01:00—03:00 PM Module 6: Reporting Missing Persons
03:00—03:15 PM Break
03:15—04:30 PM Module 7: Management of the Bereaved
Families
04:30-05:00 PM Daily Course Evaluation Secretariat

DAY 3

Time Agenda OPR

07:30—08:00 AM Registration Secretariat
08:00—08:30 AM Preliminaries
 Invocation*
 Recap of Day 2
 Energizers*
08:30—10:00 AM Module 8: Report Development
(Verifying, Validating, and Reporting
Disaster Casualties)
10:00—10:15 AM Break
10:15—12:00 AM Module 9: MDM Special Cases and
Action Planning and Process Flow
12:00—01:00 PM Lunch
01:00—03:00 PM Simulation Exercise
Synthesis of Simulation Exercise
03:00—03:15 PM Break
03:15—04:30 PM Post Exam and Overall Training
Evaluation

Closing Program
 Impressions per Group
 Response of Training Team
 Closing Message
 Distribution of Certificates
04:30—05:00 PM Instructors meeting
05:00 PM End of Training

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 1: OVERVIEW OF INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

Disclaimer: The contents of this presentation form part of the ladderized course on Incident
Command System (ICS) from the Department of National Defense - Office of Civil Defense
(DND-OCD). Full version of the ICS training courses is offered by the DND-OCD.

Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

1. Determine lessons from past incidents that led to the development of ICS;
2. Explain the overview of ICS;
3. Explain the key principles and features of ICS; and
4. Determine actual ICS success stories.

Lessons from Past Incidents

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Overview of ICS

Definition of ICS
 ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that can be used
by all response groups.
 ICS allows users to adopt an integrated organizational structure for response.

Legal Basis: Republic Act 10121

 Section 9 (g): The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shall formulate standard operating
procedures for coordination.
 Rule 7 (h), Implementing Rules and Regulations: The OCD shall establish ICS as part of
the Philippines’ on- scene disaster response system.

Institutionalization Timelines

Regional and Local Institutionalization

 Regional and local DMRRCs formulated issuances to institutionalize ICS in
their respective areas.

Purpose of ICS

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Benefits of ICS

Countries using ICS

Full implementation: In transition:

 United States  China  Thailand
 Canada  Bhutan  Brunei Darussalam
 Australia  India  Ethiopia
 New Zealand  Sri Lanka  Ghana
 Mexico  Indonesia  Latin American Countries
 Philippines

Principles and Features of ICS

Common Terminology
 Use clear text (plain language).
 Do not use radio codes, agency- specific codes, acronyms, or other jargons.

Modular Organization
 “Form follows function”
 Only functions/ positions necessary for the incident will be activated.

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Span of Control
 Ideal span of control for any supervisor: 3 to 7 subordinates

Chain of Command and Unity of Command

 There should be an orderly line of authority.

Accountability
 When on-scene, always “check-in.”

Incident Action Plan

 Response goals, objectives and support activities are indicated in the Incident
Action Plan.

ICS Forms and Tools

 ICS has a variety of tools, including forms, to help standardize procedures
and documentation.

ICS Success Stories

 Black Nazarene Traslacion (since 2013)
 Typhoon Ruby (2014)
 APEC Meetings (2015)
 Mt Apo Fire Incident (2016)
 Marawi Crisis (2017)
 ASEAN 50 (2017)
 Mt. Mayon Response (2018)
 Typhoon Ompong (2018)

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NOTES

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 2: INTRODUCTION TO MDM

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Know and understand the overview and basic concepts of the MDM Cluster;
2. Explain the MDM policy statement;
3. Explain the MDM operational flow;
4. Understand the MDM structure; and
5. Understand the MDM and ICS interface.

Laws and Policies Governing MDM

 NDRRMC MC No. 19, s. 2016 Rules and Regulations Governing the

Implementation of the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons;

 Sec. 4 of RA No. 10121 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Act of 2010 (“the development of policies and plans and the implementation of
actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk reduction and
management, …”

 Sec. 102 of Republic Act 7160 Local Government Code

 Chapter XXI of PD No. 856 Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (1976) –

Specifically on the Disposal of Dead Persons

 DOH A.O. No. 2007-0018 National Policy on the Management of the Dead and
the Missing Persons During Disaster and Emergencies

 New Civil Code of the Philippines

 Provision on the Petition for Declaration of Presumptive Death

 OGCR AO No. 1 Series of 1993 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Act

No. 3753 and other laws on Civil Registration

 DILG MC 2016-139 dated 3 October 2016 Updates Specification of Cadaver

Bags for the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons

 National Disaster Response Plans

DOH Administrative Order No. 2007-0018

Key Points:
 National Policy Framework for an efficient and a well-coordinated action in
MDM;
 Strengthen the coordination and collaboration among the partner agencies;
 Standards, guidelines, systems and procedures to institutionalize the
preparedness and response activities;
 Resource sharing mechanisms among the key players.

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National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP)

RESPONSE CLUSTERS

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Organizational/Functional Chart in Support to MDM

MDM Flow

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Incident Command System
 ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that
can be used by all response groups.
 ICS allows users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match
the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents.

Incident Management Team

 An IMT is composed of the Incident Commander and appropriate Command
and General Staff personnel assigned to an incident.

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Overview on the organizational perspective

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Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

 All retrieved bodies and body parts shall be turned over to NBI/PNP for
identification and accounting (strictly observing the chain of custody).
 Issuance of a certificate of identification for all examined/processed and
identified bodies.

Disposal/Final Arrangements for the Dead

 Burying identified and unidentified processed bodies;

 Responsible for the final disposition of dead bodies and body parts;
 Turn-over to the rightful/legitimate claimant;
 Exhumation of dead bodies;
 Acquire adequate supply of cadaver bags

Management of the Missing Persons

 A person can only be considered missing upon the report of the relatives /
concerned persons to the local police station.
 The DSWD shall also verify the reported missing persons.

P/C/MSWDO shall:
 Establish local Missing Persons & Social Welfare Inquiry Desks.
 Ensure available or alternative sources of information.
 Validate and process documents of the missing persons presumed to be dead
during the disaster;
 The validated list of missing person presumed to be dead shall be submitted
to the LCE for approvals endorsement to the RDRRMC for issuance of
certificate of missing person presumed to be dead during the disaster.

Management of the Bereaved Families

 Physiological needs to the bereaved

 Social needs of the bereaved
 Psychological needs of the bereaved

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EXERCISE: MDM Organizational Structure

Materials:
 Flipcharts
 Meta-cards
 Writing Materials
 MDM Proposed Organizational Structure

Duration: 30 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 15 minutes activity proper
 10 minutes processing

Instructions:
1. Based on the MDM proposed organizational structure, fill-up the necessary
MDM positions (in green) that will allow your team to conduct immediate MDM
Operations;
2. Each member in the group can only assume 1 position;
3. Assume that the Incident Commander and Command and General Staff are
already identified;
4. Organize the MDM Structure:
 Response Cluster
i. MDM Lead Convenor with 3 members
 Emergency Operations Center Structure
i. 1 MDM Representative
 ICS Structure
i. MDM Group Leader
ii. DVI Team Leader and Members
iii. Final Disposition of the Dead Team Leader and Members
iv. Management of the Missing Persons Team Leader and
Members
v. Management of the Bereaved Families Team Leader and
Members
5. Draw your proposed MDM Organizational Structure with the identified MDM
Position;
6. Present the organizational structure to the plenary

Output: MDM Organizational Structure

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
NOTES

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 3: MDM FACILITIES

Disclaimer: Some of the contents of this presentation form part of the ladderized course on
Incident Command System (ICS) from the Department of National Defense - Office of Civil
Defense (DND-OCD). Full version of the ICS training courses is offered by the DND-OCD.

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Describe the facilities used in ICS and MDM, their purposes and appropriate
map symbols; and
2. Describe how the MDM facilities are used to manage an incident;

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM FACILITIES

Factors to Consider when Establishing ICS Facilities

 Needs of the incident
 Length of time the facility will be used
 Cost to establish the facility
 Environmental considerations

Incident Command Post (ICP) Staging Area (s)

 Location for primary command  Location of resources waiting for
functions; assignment and ready for
 Facility dedicated for the IC; mobilization;
 Only one ICP for every incident;  May have several Staging Areas
 Symbol:  Symbol:

Base Camp(s)
 Location for out-of-service  Temporary location to provide
equipment (for repair) and services for responder
personnel (for medication); (accommodation, food, water,
 Only one Base for every incident. sanitary services, etc.);
 May have several Camp
 Symbol:  Symbol:

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Helibase Helispot(s)
• Location where helicopters and  Temporary location where
air assets may be parked, helicopters and air assets can
maintained, fueled, and loaded. safety land and take off;
• Symbol:  Used to load or off-load
personnel, equipment, and
supplies
 May have several Helispots
 Symbol:

Other Facilities
 Camps for displaced persons
 Warehouse for inventory of donations of supplies, etc.
 Security/Safety facilities
 Others?

MDM Facility Component

Temporary Collection Area Temporary Morgue

 Temporary locations where  Place where retrieved
recovered or retrieved bodies/body parts are collected
bodies/human remains are for identification, documentation
collected from impact site and disposition
 May have several as necessary  Symbol:
 Symbol:

Stages in the Temporary Morgue

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MDM Processing and Documentation

Temporary Grave/Burial Site

 Temporary facility/area where unclaimed or unidentified body/human remains
are stored/kept;
 Measurement
 Length 2 meters
 Width 2.5 Feet
 Depth 4 feet

Symbol:

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
EXERCISE: MDM One-Stop-Shop Floor Plan

Materials
 Flipcharts
 Meta-cards
 Writing Materials

Duration: 30 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 15 minutes activity proper
 10 minutes processing

Instructions:

1. Identify what MDM facilities are needed in an operation;

2. Your group will sketch a MDM Operational Floor Plan based on your identified
MDM facilities;
3. Assume your working area is the main classroom/training room; and
4. Present the organizational structure to the plenary

Output: MDM Operational/Functional Floor Plan

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
NOTES

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 4: HANDLING DEAD BODIES AND BODY PARTS

EXERCISE 1: Lego Documentation

Materials
 Lego Sets
 Bond papers

Duration: 20 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 10 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes processing

Instructions:

Participants

1. Each group must need to document the lego sets based on how they see it;
2. Each group can use all possible ways and means to document the lego sets;
3. Each group has 3 minutes to do the documentation; and
4. After 3 minutes, finalize your outputs;

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Know and understand the overall organizational structure for MDM giving
emphasis on the specific agencies involved on SRR and DVI;
2. Understand the SRR and its specific functions and roles on MDM;
3. Develop appreciation thru demonstration of the process in handling dead
bodies to include, processes, logistical requirements, culturally accepted
norms and belief; and
4. Know and understand the overview of the DVI concept; and
5. Exhibit appreciation through a simulation exercise.

Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR)

 The first step in the identification of dead bodies (DVI);
 Activity starts from the recovery/ retrieval of the first responders to a dead
body, proper tagging and documentation, to the turnover to proper agencies
for clinical identification process;
 Most important skill of SRR Teams is how to properly handle dead bodies and
body parts.

Organizational/Functional Chart in Support to MDM

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
3 Major Phases on SRR
 Pre-Operational
 Operational
 Post Operational

Key Activities:
 Assessment of the Situation/Incident
 Proper Coordination from LGU for the pre-identification of Temporary Holding
Area.
 Preparation of Logistical supplies needed for body recovery
o Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s)
o Body retrieval bags, supplies and tags
o Administrative supplies
 Ensuring complete composition of SRR Teams

Retrieval Team Composition

Team
Primary Role
Composition
1 Team Leader Responsible for the overall work performance of the team
1 Spotter Ensures safety and security of the SRR team members
1 Photographer Responsible for Photographic documentation
1 Property
Takes custody and control of recovered properties
Custodian
Responsible for filling out of administrative documents
1 Recorder
Preparation of tags and labels
Also known as handlers/movers of dead bodies/ body parts.
2 Body retrievers
Actual Tagging and labelling of dead bodies/ body parts

Preparation of Logistical Supplies needed got Body/Body Parts Retrieval

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s)

 Hard hat
 Gloves
 Mask
 SAR uniform
 Boots

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
  Body retrieval bags, supplies, and tags
 Cadaver bag
 Body parts bag / zip lock
 Property bag
 Tags/ Labels

 Administrative materials
 Body retrieval form
 Log books

Key Activities
 Tagging and Labeling
 Photograph
 Documentation
 Transport turnover of tagged dead body/ body parts to
 Temporary holding area

Tagging – Double Tagging (Body and Cadaver Bag)

 Location
 Collector
 Date of Collection
 Body Number

Materials:
 Ziplock bag
 water-proof marker
 cardboard
 cable tie

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Photograph

Documentation
 Recording/Note-taking of basic descriptions such as the following:
1. Sex
2. Age (child or adult)
3. Clothing (detailed description)
4. Personal belongings
5. Identifying marks

Special Handling Considerations

 No preservatives must be used (e.g. lime)
 Handling precaution to preserve extremities (fingerprint)
 Personal belongings:
 Document and photograph but do not remove from the body (if worn)
 Document and package in an individual container (if not worn/detached)

Transport and Turn-over of Retrieved Bodies

 Task of Search and Retrieval ends
 Turn-over of retrieved bodies/ body parts to DVI teams at temporary holding
area/temporary mortuary
 Chain of custody
 Body Retrieval Form
 Turn-over Logbook

Once Dead Body / Body Part is Turned-over, DVI Team Will perform:
 Acceptance of the Body
 Double checking of coding
 External examination
 Internal Examination
 Primary ID methods (DNA, Dental, Fingerprint)
 Secondary ID methods (Unique traits, medical, clothes/personal belongings,
forensic anthropology, x-ray, photographs, PMD – pink forms
 Turnover of examined body to temporary storage

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Temporary Holding Area (Considerations)
 Space/ventilation
 Electricity
 Water
 Availability of decontamination area
 Disposal area for biohazard materials
 Secluded/properly cordoned

Flow of retrieved body/body parts

SRR as MDM Component

 Procedures before approaching the Human Remains:
A- assess
B- build your team
C- check your equipment and PPE
D- document

 Proper Handling of Dead Bodies and Body Parts

o PPE - wearing of personal protective equipment/gears
o Tagging - prepare identification tags/ case numbers
o Photo - take proper photo documentation
o Forms - fill up body identification form (ICRC) and chain of custody
form
o Packaging - ensure proper moving and bagging of human remains to
include proper markings/tagging

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
EXERCISE 2: PPEs to Bagging

Materials

Individual
 Plastic Googles
 N-95 Mask
 Surgical Mask
 Latex Gloves
 Working Gloves (heavy duty)
 White Disposable Hooded Overalls
 Disposable Aprons (Black)
 Heavy Duty Rubber Boots

Group
 Body Tag Cards
 Ziplock Plastics
 Small White Board
 White Board Markers
 Digital Camera (Cellphone camera can be used)
 Cadaver Bags

Duration: 45 Minutes
 10 minutes instruction
 30 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes processing

Instructions:

Participants:
1. Each participant shall be provided with Basic PPEs and group materials;
2. Follow the instructions of the facilitator in proper donning and removal of
PPEs; and
3. Listen and observe carefully to the facilitator for the demonstration;

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

 Pre-Operational Phase is first part of the DVI process involving the retrieval of
bodies/ fatalities from the scene. It also includes situational assessment and
coordination with the LGU of the affected area and other stake holders.
Moreover, this phase determines where to establish the holding area for the
recovered bodies and the mortuary. This is with reference to the established
NDRP of the concerned LGU. This is the SRR function in the DVI Process.

 Post Mortem Data Collection is the actual internal and external (pathology)
examination of the fatalities consisting of lifting of the fingerprints, dental
charting, and collection of DNA samples. It also involves recording and storage
of personal effects recovered from and near the body. This particular stage
uses the Interpol PM Form. Examined bodies will be turned over to the LGU for
temporary storage pending the result of the reconciliation.

 Ante Mortem is the collection of pertinent information from relatives of

missing persons using the Interpol AM and Missing Person Forms. Fingerprint,
medical, and dental records are required to be submitted. DNA sample (buccal
swabbing) from relatives of missing and claimants of dead bodies will also be
collected.

 Reconciliation is the matching of the data collected from the PM and AM

stages and issuance of certificate of identification.

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Phases of DVI

 PHASE I- Scene
 PHASE II- Post-Mortem (PM)
 PHASE III- Ante-Mortem (AM)
 PHASE IV- Reconciliation
 PHASE V- Debriefing

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
All retrieved bodies and body parts shall be turned over to NBI/PNP for identification
and accounting (strictly observing the chain of custody).

The medico-legal officers of the NBI and/or PNP shall issue a certificate of
identification for all examined/processed and identified bodies.

Preparation of Logistical Supplies needed for DVI

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s)

 Nitrile Gloves
 Mask (N95/N100)
 Overall suit
 Rubber Boots
 Eye protector

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
 PHASE III- Ante-Mortem

 Collection on data;
 Ante Mortem Dental Records
 Collection of DNA Standards

Use of forensic tools/ identifiers in the identification of Dead bodies

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
 Primary Identifiers:
 Fingerprints,
 Dental exam, and
 DNA
 Secondary identifiers:
 Medical:
 Tattoo, Scars,
 significant deformities
 Physical effects:
 articles, clothing, belongings

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 38
Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
EXERCISE 3: Documentation by SRR

Materials

 Dead body identification form

 Turn-over logbook
 Chain-of-custody form

Duration: 1 Hour
 05 minutes instruction
 50 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes processing

Instructions:

Participants:
1. Carefully listen to the facilitator and follow each step on filling up the form.

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 40
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 41
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 42
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 43
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 44
Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
EXERCISE 4: Return demonstration

Materials

 Same as Module 4 Exercises Nos. 2 and 3.

Duration: 40 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 30 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes processing

Instructions:

Participants:
1. Each group will be given Basic PPEs and 1 Body Bag;
2. Each group will assign the following:
a. 1 person to act as the cadaver;
b. 1 team leader
c. 1 photographer
d. 1 Spotter
e. 1 Property Custodian
f. 1 Recorder
g. 4 person as body movers
3. Demonstrate the following:
a. Proper donning/removing of PPEs;
b. Sequence in retrieval operations;
c. Proper Tagging;
d. Proper documentation;
e. Proper turnover.

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NOTES

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 5: FINAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE DEAD

EXERCISE 1: Let’s Volt in!

Materials per Group (4 Groups)

 Envelops
 Set Phrases on the definition of the Final Arrangement of the Dead

Duration: 15 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 05 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Presentation/Processing

Instructions:
1. Close the your workbooks;
2. Clear out the group table;
3. Each group will be given set phrases in an envelope;
4. The group will define the Final Arrangement of the Dead based on the set
phrases
5. Post your answer in the flipchart

Output: Correct Definition of the Final Arrangement of the Dead

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Define the final arrangement of the dead
2. Understand the organizational structure and identify the key offices/officers
involved in the process
3. Understand the guidelines on the final arrangement of the dead;
4. Explain the procedures to be observed by the key actor/s in this process
5. Enumerate the requirements for the claiming of remains; and
6. Describe the features of a proper temporary burial,

Final Arrangement of the Dead

Process of handling the body after complete documentation has been done by the DVI
Team up to the…
 Turnover to the legitimate claimants (for the identified remains); or
 Temporary Burial (for the unidentified remains and those without
claimants)

NGA and LGU Organizational Structure

Guidelines on the Disposition of the Dead

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
  All remains shall undergo the DVI process
 No remains shall be buried or cremated without an approved or signed death
certificate except in special circumstances.
 The LGU shall be responsible for the final disposition of the unidentified bodies
to be buried in the collective or individual graves, marked with their unique case
numbers and/ or labels.
 The LGU shall consult the community and religious leaders of the disaster site
regarding the final disposition of the unidentified bodies.
 Exhumation of dead bodies shall be done in the presence of local health
officials with proper disinfection of the dis-interment area.
 The legitimate claimants of the dead bodies have the prerogative to have the
dead bodies embalmed.
 The LGU shall acquire adequate supply of cadaver bags that are compliant to
the specifications set by the DOH.
 Temporary storage facilities within standard for human remains shall be
established/provided and prepositioned in appropriate locations.
 Temporary burial sites shall be pre-identified by LGUs.

Distinctions among Identified, Unidentified and Missing Human Remain

Category Identified Human Unidentified Missing Person

Remain Human Remain

a. Cessation Yes Yes No, unless proven

of Life otherwise

b. Nature Permanent Permanent Temporary

c. Identity Identity is known Identity is not Identity is known but

and the body was known but the body the body was not
found was found found

d. Proof of Certificate of Certificate of Court Decree

Death Death Death (if granting the Petition
applicable) for Declaration of
Presumptive Death

e. Lead DILG through the DILG through the PNP

Agency LGU LGU

Special Circumstances in Waiving Death Certificate* include but are not limited to:

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
  Death due to dangerous communicable disease (that needs to be buried or
cremated within twelve (12) hours)
 Request for immediate burial without embalming or viewing (due to religious
beliefs, culture and tradition)
 Far flung or hard to reach location of the deceased (where the embalming
facility is not available)
 For body parts, death certificate is not required (unless they are the actual
remains of individuals who really died)

The LGU shall:

 Be responsible for the final disposition of the unidentified bodies to be buried
in the collective or individual graves, marked with their unique case numbers
and/ or labels.
 Consult the community and religious leaders of the disaster site regarding the
final disposition of the unidentified bodies.
 (Through the local health officials) observe the exhumation of dead bodies
with proper disinfection of the dis-interment area.
 Acquire adequate supply of cadaver bags (compliant to the DILG MC 2016-
139 Dated Oct 3, 2016)
 Establish and preposition in appropriate locations temporary storage facilities
within standard for human remains
 Pre-identify temporary burial sites shall be pre-identified by LGUs.

Local Health Officer Local Social Welfare Officer

Shall provide their contact information to the legitimate/rightful claimant
Must maintain the confidentiality of all information, divulging any information only
to the legitimate/rightful claimants of the remains*
Shall report the list of casualties to
the Local DRRMC, copy furnished
DOH Regional Office

*In cases of foreign nationals, only the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the
involved foreign embassies shall have access to such information.

Coordination

 Efficient, timely and effective coordination shall be observed among and

between all agencies and other stakeholders involved in MDM.
 There should be a prior coordination between LSWDO and LHO with regard
to the reconciliation of the rightful claimants with the identified remains.
 Information management system on the ante- and post-mortem data shall be
developed and implemented.
 MDM team members must be technically adept, through development and
establishment of training programs, in the discharge of their functions during
disasters.

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 51
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 52
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Legitimate Claimants

 Proof of filiation with the deceased must be established by the claimant.

 The claimants must be either of the following:
a. Spouse
b. Children, legitimate or illegitimate;
c. Parents, legitimate or illegitimate;
d. Brothers and sisters, legitimate or illegitimate;
e. Other relatives; and
f. State in which the deceased was a citizen

Rightful Claimants

 The claimant must establish the following:

a. Proof of filiation with the deceased;
b. Obliged to give support;
c. Right to have custody over the human remains of the deceased;
d. Right and duty to prepare for the burial arrangement of the deceased;
e. Rules of Preference on succession

 The following are the rightful claimants if the deceased is single (w/o a child):
a. Parent;
b. Brothers and sister;
c. Grand-parents;
d. Uncles and aunts;
e. Cousins;
f. Other relatives; or
g. State

 The following are the rightful claimants if the deceased is single (w/ a child):
a. Child;
b. Parent;
c. Brothers and sister;
d. Other relatives; or
e. State

 The following are the rightful claimants if the deceased is married:

a. Legal Spouse;
b. Children;
c. Parents;
d. Brothers and sister;
e. Other relatives; or
f. State

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Rules of Preference

1. Legitimate over illegitimate relationship;

2. Spouse over ascendant;
3. Paternal over maternal;
4. If the descendant is of same degree or brothers and sister, the oldest shall be
preferred;
5. Citizenship over country of residence

Rightful Claimants (spouse)

 Immediate Family over Collateral Relatives

 Legitimate Family over Illegitimate Family
 Legal Spouse over live-in partner or paramour
 Father over Mother
 Older relatives over younger relatives
 Paternal family over maternal relatives
 If legally adopted, adopter over natural parent
 If not legally adopted, natural parent over adopter

Requirements for the claiming of the remains:

 Primary Documents (to be issued by the Local Civil Registry/Philippine

Statistics Authority):
 Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
 Certified True Copy of Marriage Contract (if claimant is married)
Shari-a Law will be followed for Muslims

 Secondary Documents (at least two):

 Baptismal Certificate
 Barangay Certification (for residency or relationship of the claimant with
dead person)
 Affidavit of Corroborating Individual
 Pictures of the Victims
 Certification of Membership from Religious Organization

 For identified dead Foreign Nationals, same procedure would apply, coursed
through the DFA and the respective embassies of the identified dead foreign
national with additional requirements i.e. Consular requirements (as required
by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations).

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
Temporary Burial

Area of Concern Specification/s

Properly marked and accurately mapped indicating the
Burial site
body bags.
at least three (3) meter distant to the ground water table
Bottom of the grave/pit
or not subject to seasonal high water table
may be shallow or less than 1.8 meters
Trenches
(if post mortem examinations are forthcoming)
Arrangement of body buried in orderly rows of 10-20
bags should be side by side and not piled up
Body tags Should include basic class information (sex, age, etc)
Photo documentation
Clothing, jewellery and other personal effects are best
left on the body.
Remains
Can be exhumed later and a post-mortem examination
performed even if the body is already markedly
decomposed (even possibly skeletonized)

Cases in Temporary Burial

Case What to do
Unidentified bodies Final arrangement shall be done seventy-two (72)
hours after death or occurrence of disaster.
Absence of refrigeration Unidentified remains shall be contained in a temporary
facilities burial pending proper identification and final
arrangement.
For un-embalmed No embalming procedures for identified remains shall
remains be done without permission from the nearest of kin of
the dead (bereaved).

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EXERCISE 1: It’s complicated

Materials
 Scenario

Duration: 15 Minutes
 02 minutes instruction
 07 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Processing

Instructions:
1. Read the scenario; and
2. Answer the questions presented by the instructor in plenary.

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 It’s Complicated
SCENARIO

Anton Mendiola is the illegitimate child of Boy and Mila. Anton became a lawyer
and a partner in the MAG Law Office, married Reina on November 15, 2000. The
couple had two (2) sons, France and Arvin; three (3) daughters, Raizza, Vina and
Matilda; and one (1) Lina, a child whom they raise as their own child but is still waiting
for the court to grant the Petition for adoption that they have filed in 2007.

The marriage of Atty. Anton and Reina, however, turned sour and they were
eventually separated-in-fact. Years later, Atty. Anton courted Rona, one of his clients,
until they decided to live together as husband and wife without contracting a marriage
in 2010. Despite such arrangement, he continued to provide financial support to RA
and their children.

Sometimes on 2012, Atty .Anton was diagnosed to be suffering from a lung

cancer. Rona asked Atty. Anton to undergo a series of treatment to get rid of his illness.
Atty. Anton asked Reina and his children if they can give him money to pay for his
medical bills. However, Reina and his children refused to give him money that is why
Rona paid for his medical bills.

Atty. Anton was declared free from cancer. Atty. Anton decided to draft his Last
will and Testament and indicated therein that Rona shall have the duty to arrange his
burial rites and he wants to be bury in the latter’s mausoleum.

While waiting for the grant of his application to become a US Citizen, in May
2019, Atty. Anton decided to go to travel in Metro Manila. Super Typhoon Meding
struck Metro Manila and had caused heavy rains, flooding and tsunami. Atty. Anton
was trapped inside his house for days. A few days later, the SRR team was able to
retrieve the human remains of Atty. Anton. After undergoing the DVI process, the NBI
moved the body of Atty. Anton to the City of Marikina.

Upon a series of inquiry, it has come to the knowledge of the City of Marikina
that:

a. Atty. Anton and Rona is living as a husband and wife for years;
b. Reina was in the United States spending summer with her children. As none
of the family members was around, Rona took it upon herself to shoulder
the funeral and burial expenses for Atty. Anton as long as the City of
Marikina will release Atty. Anton’s body in her favor. When Reina learned
about the death of her husband, she immediately called the City of Marikina
and Reina and requested to hold the release of the Atty. Anton’s body and
delay the interment for a few days.

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NOTES

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Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Training Course
MODULE 6: REPORTING MISSING PERSONS

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Define Missing Persons
2. Develop understanding in the process of reporting missing persons;
3. Explain salient informant found in the missing persons form; and
4. Demonstrate proper process of interviewing relatives of victim.

Missing Person

Shall refer to any reported person residing, working, studying or sojourning in a

community which is directly affected by a disaster, nowhere to be found thereafter and
has not been heard of since the disaster.

Importance of Reporting Missing Person

 To inform or appraise the next-of-kin of the missing person.
 To reduce the stress / anxiety experienced by affected communities.
 To defuse rumors and validate received information.

Elements of Reporting Missing Person

 Actors involved in Reporting Missing Person
 Process Flow of Reporting Missing Person
 Missing Persons Form

Actors Involved in Reporting Missing Person

 The PNP shall verify the identity of the reported missing persons from the
records of its Warrant Section.
 The DSWD shall also verify the reported missing persons from its records of
Centers/Residential Care Facilities.
 The PNP shall immediately inform the incident commander to initiates active
search and rescue / retrieval and provides feedback.
 The LSWDO shall certify that the missing person is affected by the disaster.
 P/C/MSWDO to establish the local Social Welfare Inquiry Desks
 P/C/MSWDO to ensure available or alternative sources of information.
 The validated list of missing person presumed to be dead shall be submitted
to the Local Chief Executive for approvals endorsement to the RDRRMC for
issuance of Certificate of Missing Person presumed to be dead during the
disaster.
 The LGU must submit to the NBI and/or PNP an updated list of missing
persons.
 The LGU shall be responsible in updating the list of missing persons.
 The DSWD, DOH, and PRC, shall provide technical and resource
augmentation.
 DOH shall ensure that the interventions are in accordance with IASC standards
and guidelines.

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Process Flow

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 61
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What form to use for initial interview of next-of-kin (NOK)?

 PNP Memorandum Circular Nr 2016-033 dated 01 June 16

o Guidelines on the Recording, Monitoring, and Investigation of Missing
and Found Persons, and Identification of Human Remains
o Annex C Checklist for Absent / Missing Person

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EXERCISE: Familiarization of Missing Person Form

Materials
 PNP Missing Person Form
 Writing Materials

Duration: 30 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 20 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Presentation/Processing

Instructions:

Participants:
1. Carefully listen to the facilitator and follow each step on filling up the form.

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 64
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Interview Guidelines

Place for interview:

 Far from morgue
 Home of NOK
 Not around the public and/or media
 Private and comfortable surroundings

At interview site:
 Team should arrive ON TIME
 Introduction of each team member to the relatives and friends present
 Ensure willingness of NOKs / friends to actively participate in the
interview
 Always refer the missing person/ potential victim in the present tense
 Ask General rather than specific (personal and intimate) questions
 No question should be ignored
 No leading questions asked
 Visits should be kept to a minimum

 Be a good listener
 Stay calm
 Do not be intimidating
 Use non-condemning tone of voice
 Choose appropriate words
 TIME OUT for the Interviewer must also be given
 How to handle ANGRY bereaved relatives

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NOTES

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MODULE 7: MANAGEMENT OF THE BEREAVED FAMILIES

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. To recognize how to provide initial MHPSS to bereaved families;
2. Demonstrate appropriate and sensitive attitude in dealing with bereaved
families; and
3. Know the different programs and services for the bereaved families.

When DISASTER Strikes…

 Families and communities are affected

 Health, education, and social services are disrupted
 Community support systems and protection mechanism breakdown

People at Increased Risk for Problems

 Children
 Women
 Men
 Elderly People
 Extremely Poor People
 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)
 People who have been exposed to extremely stressful events/traumas
 People in the community with pre-existing disorders
 People in institutions
 People experiencing severed social stigma
 People at specific risk of human rights violations

Legal Bases
 NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No 62, or the National Guidelines on
MHPSS: DOH to lead the MHPSS Cluster
 Memorandum Circular No. 04 series of 2015 – Guidelines on the
implementation of protective services
 Administrative Order No. 15 series of 2008 – Guidelines on the
implementation of Cash-For-Work Project

Cluster System

A process to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian response through:

 Accountability
 Responsibility
 Partnership (coordination & prioritization)

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 68
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 RESPONSE CLUSTERS

Internally Displaced Person Protection

Ensure the protection of all IDPs, that their best interest and welfare shall be
paramount considerations in all actions concerning them.

MHPSS – sub-cluster of the Health Cluster

 To provide Psychological First Aid to the general population;

 To refer Psychiatric cases to appropriate Mental Health Facilities;
 To protect and promote well-being of responders; and
 To provide psychological interventions to survivors of sexual violence and
vulnerable groups (OPs, PWDs, PWSNs, etc).

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IASC Intervention Pyramid

Psychosocial Processing
 It is a “package” of crisis intervention tactics.

 Is an intervention protocol developed specifically for dealing with traumatic

events. It is a formal, highly structured and professionally recognized process
for helping those involved in a critical incident to share their experiences, vent
emotions, learn about stress reactions and symptoms and given referral for
further help if required. It was developed to help manage traumatic experiences
within organizations and communities.

Guiding Principles
 Respect
 Safety
 Confidentiality
 Non-discrimination

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Ethical Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
 Be Honest and trustworthy
 Respect people’s right to make their own decisions
 Be aware of and set aside your own biases and prejudices
 Make it clear to people that even if they refuse help now, they can still access
help in the future.
 Respect privacy and keep the person’s story confidential, if this is appropriate
 Behave appropriately by considering the person’s culture, age and gender

Don’ts
 Don’t exploit your relationship as a helper
 Don’t ask the person for any money or favor for helping them.
 Don’t make false promises or give false information
 Don’t exaggerate your skills
 Don’t force help on people, and don’t be intrusive or pushy
 Don’t’ pressure people to tell you their story
 Don’t share the person’s story with others.
 Don’t judge the person for their actions or feelings

Consider the following questions as you prepare to offer PFA in Different

Cultures:
Dress • Do I need to dress a certain way to be respectful?
• Will impacted people be in need of certain clothing items to
keep their dignity and customs?
Language • What is the customary way of greeting people in this culture?
• What language do they speak?
Gender, • Should affected women only be approached by women
Age and helpers?
Power • Who may I approach? (eg. head of the family or community?)
Touching • What are the usual customs around touching people?
and • Is it all right to hold someone’s hand or touch their shoulder?
Behaviour • Are there special things to consider in terms of behaviour
around the elderly, children, women, or others?
Beliefs and • Who are the different ethnic and religious groups among the
Religion affected people?
• What beliefs or practices are important to the people
affected?
• How might they understand or explain what has happened?

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Institutionalization

Local Government Units

 P/M/C Social Welfare and Development Office
 P /M/C Health Offices
 NGOs

National and Regional Offices

 DSWD
 DOH
 PRC
 NGOs

Task/Roles
 P/M/C Social Welfare and Development Office shall provide the ff:
 Financial Assistance
 Transportation
 Burial Assistance
 Relief Assistance
 Livelihood Assistance
 Ensure availability of Food and Non- food items
o Family Food Packs
o Tents/Temporary Shelter
o Hygiene kits/Dignity Kits
 Ensure availability of Trained personnel to conduct Psychological First
Aid and Psychosocial Processing
 Ensure availability of updated age/sex disaggregated data/masterlist of
families

 DSWD National and Regional Offices

 Limited Financial Assistance
 Transportation
 Burial
 Relief Assistance
 Livelihood Assistance
 Ensure availability of Food and Non- food items
o Family Food Packs
o Tents/Temporary Shelter
o Hygiene kits/Dignity Kits
 Ensure availability of Trained personnel to conduct Psychological First
Aid and Psychosocial Support Processing

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Assistance and Services
 Family Food Pack
 Family Kit
 Kitchen Kit
 Sleeping Kit
 Burial Assistance
o Assistance to shoulder funeral costs and related expenses, including,
but not limited to cases of bringing home the bodies of their deceased
loved ones.
Requirements:
 Funeral Contract
 Death Certificate of the deceased
 Barangay Certificate / Indigency and any valid ID of the client
 Permit to transfer / health permit (for transfer of cadaver)
 Referral Letter (if applicable)
 Medical Assistance
o Assistance to help shoulder hospitalization expenses, purchase of
medicines, and other medical treatment or procedures and other
medical expenses.
Requirements:
 Clinical Abstract/Medical Certificate with signature and license
number of the attending physicians.
 Hospital Bill, Prescription or Laboratory Request.
 Barangay Certificate / Indigency and any valid ID of the client
 Referral Letter (if applicable)
 Transportation Assistance
o Assistance for the payment of transportation (such as to purchase
tickets to sea/land transport facilities) to enable them to return to their
home provinces or to attend to emergency concerns such as death.
Requirements:
 Barangay Certificate / Indigency and any valid ID of the client
 Police Blotter (for victims of illegal recruitment, etc)
 Referral Letter (if applicable)
 Educational Assistance
o Assistance given to eligible beneficiaries to help defray the school
expenses and/or cost of sending students/children to school such as
school tuition fees, school supplies, transportation allowance and other
school related expenses.
Requirements:
 Enrolment Assessment Form or Certificate of Enrolment or
Registration
 School ID of the student/beneficiary
 Barangay Certificate / Indigency and any valid ID of the client

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  Referral Letter (if applicable)
 Livelihood Assistance
o Capability-building program for poor, vulnerable, marginalized
household and communities to help improve their socio economic
conditions.
Modality:
 Capital Seed Fund – serves as a start-up capital for the program
participants.
 Cash for Building Livelihood Assets Fund – cash stipend
equivalent to 75% of the prevailing DRMW for rendering work.
 Skills Training Fund – It is a capability-building strategy to
prepare program participants to better manage their chosen
livelihood.
 Employment Facilitation Fund – includes: processing of
employment requirements, payment of medical exam

General Policy
 Financial assistance amounting to not more than Php 5,000.00 may be
released immediately in the form of cash to the beneficiary.

 Assistance amounting to more than Php 5,000.00 but not to exceed to Php
10,000.00 shall be approved by the Assistant Regional Director through the
issuance of a Guarantee Letter to service provider.

 The Social Worker and/or authorized personnel may recommend assistance

beyond Php 10,000.00 but not to exceed Php 25,000.00, subject to availability
of funds and approval of the Regional Director.

 The maximum allowable assistance that a social worker and/or authorized

personnel may recommend is only up to Php 25,000.00. However, in extremely
justifiable cases, the amount of assistance beyond Php 25,000.00 but not to
exceed Php75,000.00 subject to the approval of the Assistant Secretary for
DSWD CO or the Regional Director for DSWD Field Office.

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EXERCISE 1: Psychological First Aid

Materials
 None

Duration: 30 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 20 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Presentation/Processing

Instructions:

1. Each participant to find a partner that they are comfortable with;

2. Sit beside each other;
3. The activity will have two rounds. In each round, there will be a ‘sharer’ and a
‘listener.’ The sharer will share a traumatic/difficult/challenging experience that
he/she have encountered in life. The listener must be an active and
compassionate listener.
4. Apply the guiding principles in providing PFA- safety, respect, confidentiality,
and non-judgment. Give emphasis on confidentiality.
5. Assure the sharers that whatever they share will not be presented in the
plenary.
6. Each round should be at least 10 minutes long. Partners will switch roles for
the second round.

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EXERCISE 2: Mindful Breathing Exercise

Materials
 None

Duration: 15 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 05 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Presentation/Processing

Instruction

1. Clear your tables, hide their things that might cause distraction, and turn their
phones in silent mode. Participants should be seated at a distance from each
other.
2. Find a comfortable and stable position. They may sit comfortably with
shoulders rested on the chair, backs straight but not rigid, and their hands on
their lap. They may lay down on the floor if they prefer.

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EXERCISE 3: Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot

Materials
 Number Placards from 1 to 4

Duration: 20 Minutes
 05 minutes instruction
 10 minutes activity proper
 05 minutes Presentation/Processing

Instructions:

Participants:

1. Each group shall select a volunteer;

2. Each identified volunteer shall be given a number and proceed in front;
3. These numbers (1 to 4) represent each level of intervention;
4. Statements shall be flashed and you need to determine the level of
intervention;
5. Approach the number you find appropriate;
6. If you are correct, you’re still in the exercise, if wrong, you may take your seat.

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NOTES

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MODULE 8: REPORT DEVELOPMENT (Verifying, Validating, and Reporting
Disaster Casualties)

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Define key terms;
2. Identify the information flow;
3. Explain the process in Verification and Validation;
4. Identify the reportorial requirements;
5. Determine the official source of information; and
6. Determine the publication and dissemination the list of casualties

Reporting Disaster Casualties

 Casualties – A victim of disaster, who died, got injured and/or was missing
and who was physically injured or killed by a destructive event.
 Disaster – a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society
involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and
impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to
cope using its own resources.

Process of Reporting Casualties

1. Local DRRM Councils shall report official and validated list of names of
casualties to the Regional DRRMCs, including the age, sex, location, and
details on the:
 Dead – cause and date/time of death

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  Injured – brief description of the injury and medical services
provided
 Missing – date/time the person went missing

2. The Regional DRRMCs shall consolidate all reports from Local DRRMCs and
Regional DRRMC member-agencies shall submit the same to the National
DRRM Operations Center.

3. The LGU must submit to the NBI/PNP an updated list of missing persons. The
LGU shall be responsible in updating the list of missing persons. (6.3.9
NDRRMC Memo Circular, s. 2016).

4. The National DRRM Operations Center shall coordinate with the DILG and
DOH to cross-validate the reports on dead persons.

5. The National DRRM Operations Center (NDRRMOC) shall be the official

source of casualties which will form part of the NDRRMC Situation Report.

6. The NDRRMC Situation Report shall be disseminated and published to the

Official NDRRMC Website and other available means of communication.

Reportorial Requirements

 Dead Persons
o Certificate of Identification (issued by PNP through CL or NBI)
o Death Certificate (issued by DOH, and Local Health Officer)

 Missing Persons
o Accomplished Incident Report Form (PNP); and/or
o MDM Standard Missing Persons’ Form

Official Source of Information on Casualties

 Dead Persons
o PNP CL
o NBI
o DILG
o DOH
o Local Health Officer

 Missing Persons
o PNP
o DILG through the LGUs

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Verification

A process where an information of a casualty in a disaster event is being

confirmed thru investigation and official channels. This can only be proved thru a PNP
Spot and/or Progress Reports and as reflected in the LDRRMO’s Situational Report.

Validation

A process where the verified reported casualty in a disaster event is being

confirmed thru a scientific method that determines the death of the causality is directly
and/or indirectly related to the disaster event/ this can be proved thru the issuance of
the Death Certificate.

Dissemination and Publication of the Official List of Casualties

1. Official websites and social media accounts;

2. Electronic message and other means;
3. Press Conferences / Briefings will be facilitated by the NDRRMOC with
PIA.
4. Only the NDRRMC Chairperson and/or NDRRMC Executive Director or
designated Spokesperson are allowed to accommodate interviews and
provide the official number of casualties.

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NOTES

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MODULE 9: MDM SPECIAL CASES AND ACTION PLAN

Module Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Understand the nature of MDM Operations;
2. Identify key problems and solutions for specific scenario;
3. Explain the MDM Action Plan; and
4. Identify the key features of a MDM Action Plan.

Marawi Crisis

 Protocols
 Camp Managers should be adequately inform on the process of the
collection of Ante Mortem Data. As of to date, there is no protocol that in
such instances, the Missing Person Center should be included in the ECs.
 It is understood that in this situation, protocols must be properly observed
at all times, but due to these, it creates another challenge to the MDM
Teams as another layer of procedure should be in place which results on
the delay of services.

 Information Dissemination
 Proper messaging must be done in order to provide clear understanding to
all concerned. This may prevent them from seeking information at the
Welfare Desk or agreeing to have AM data collected, thereby limiting
success rate for DVI.

 Selection of Temporary Morgue Area

 Critical consideration should be done such as sanitation, environment and
nearby resident;
 Constant movement of Morgue Area due to unexpected circumstances

 Proper Markings on Grave Sites

 Must follow the alphanumeric code of PNP CL

 Selection of Temporary Burial Area

 Political Boundaries
 Securing clearances

 Coordination
 Essence of Management

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Typhoon OMPONG (Itogon, Benguet)

 PNP CL was already on site to augment the MDM Operations all over CAR.
 Initial coordination was immediately conducted by DILG CAR to various
stakeholders while CODIX mobilized national resources for augmentation.
 Establishment of the One (1)-Stop-Shop;
 The Governor of Ifugao visited and assisted in settling misunderstandings and
conflicts with the bereaved families from Ifugao.
 L/DSWD and DOH collected the families of victims and conducted MHPSS at
the DSWD training center

Landslide Incident (City of Naga, Cebu Povince)

 Initially, the City of Naga was able to handle the situation with minimal bodies
being retrieved after the landslide.
 However, as numbers of retrieved bodies and body parts increased, the LGU
could no longer handle the operations.
 The Regional MDM Team was quickly to respond and took over the
operations.
 Coordination was immediately established and stakeholders were onboard
with the LGUs full support.
 Cosmopolitan Funeral Parlor was identified as the new Temporary Morgue
Area and a One-Stop Shop was established to ease the burden from the
Bereaved Families.
 Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes was an ideal set-up however, it is 1 hour away
from the incident area.
 Initially, the identification of the burial site was not a problem because almost
all of the retrieved bodies were immediately identified and returned to the
families. However, with the increasing number of bodies and body parts being
retrieved, thee funeral parlor could no longer accommodate, thus the
identification of the temporary burial site became imperative.

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MDM Process Flow

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NOTES

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