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Systematic
Use of Fingerprints in the Philippines: A Timeline
The story behind humanity and its existence has been spoken and recorded in various forms in the same manner as the very mark of our individuality left a lasting impression. The prominence of this very personal mark was recognized not only by the present civilization but the ancient as well. Knowing thyself would never be complete without the discovery of the unique designs found at the distal part of our fingers. With the firm belief that in deed “there is no duplication in nature” many scholars and scientists were driven to explore deeper on this theoretical framework.
According to Locard’s Exchange Principle “every contact leaves a trace”. This explains how our inquisitive ancestors discovered one of the most valuable characteristic of humanity, our fingerprints. This in effect spelled the difference amongst humanity not only between races but it transcends beyond infallible personal differentiation. To date, the use of fingerprints to identify individuals has become universally accepted, hence court rulings on the admissibility of fingerprints as a reliable means of personal identification has become commonplace.
Across cultures, the use of friction ridge skin impressions as a means of identification has been around for thousands of years. Friction ridge skin impressions were used as proof of a person’s identity in China perhaps as early as 300 B.C., in Japan as early as A.D. 702, and in the United States since 1902 (Barnes, 2002).
In the Philippines, we might have read several materials or studies about fingerprints but to no avail, less has been written about this valuable human residue. Discovery of fingerprints were among the significant archeological find or perhaps anthropological discoveries whose value and use was recognized even before the time of Jesus Christ. Our historians or researchers in the country may have failed to recognize the importance of citing the early use of fingerprint in any of our race transactions. For this reason we find limited published and unpublished articles, writings or researches about the early use of fingerprints by the people of the archipelago.
The presentation will start on the year 1904. This year is considered remarkable for the rest of the world when various delegates and people around the world meet together in a common ground. The St. Louis World's Fair was the largest of them all occupying 1292 acres and with 12 million paid visitors, and a total of 20 million visitors.
At the 1904 World’s Fair apart from the international exhibits of the world’s new inventions and discoveries, were three booths demonstrating identification methods. One booth displayed the anthropometric method and was run by Emerson E. Davis from New York. Captain James J. Parke, from New York, and Inspector John Kenneth Ferrier, of New Scotland Yard, each set up a booth displaying the fingerprint method of identification. Inspector Ferrier discussed the fingerprint method with many individuals at the fair, several of whom were in charge of their own police departments throughout the United States. He also showed visitors an instance where the anthropometric measurements of two men varied by only a millimeter and how the fingerprints were different (Myers, 1938, p 19).
You might be wondering what the Philippine delegates have showcased in this memorable event. The entire world was astonished to witness and had a first look at the newest invention and discoveries the brilliant minds around the world had to offer.
Philippines never missed this event. But one question bothered the presenter’s mind, “Are there Filipinos present in the exhibit areas specially the ones set up for fingerprint identification purposes?” With frustration, the presenter failed to find any citation of Filipinos presence and participation in the exhibit where the latest information and application in the field of fingerprint science were showcased and demonstrated.
It was noted however, that a band formed on October 15, 1902 by Colonel Walter Loving upon the instructions of Civil Governor William Howard Taft, who was known as a music lover was present. It will be recalled further that among the many things for which the Philippines was famous abroad before the First World War was the Philippine Constabulary Band. The 86 piece band toured the United States to great acclaim, including leading the parade in Washington, D.C. when Taft was inaugurated President, and performances at the 1904 World Fair (http://en.wikipedia.org).
Was there any living Filipino soul who were lured and captivated by the exhibitors of the various booths where the so-called most valuable tool in identifying individuals was the subject of the educational exhibit? According to local forensic monographs in the country, a name Generoso Reyes was frequently mentioned. It was alleged that he was the first fingerprint technician employed by the Philippine Constabulary sometime in the 1930s. It is not safe to assume that he is one of the soldiers who were present in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
In a separate account of this historical event through the speech of Martha R. Clevenger at Wydown Middle School, Clayton, Missouri May 26, 2000, I quote:
“In 1904, a group of Igorot men and women, members of a Filipino tribe, were exhibited on the grounds of the St. Louis World's Fair as a human exhibit. Exhibited in a manner that was supposed to recreate the Igorots' circumstances and conditions of life in the Philippines, this display, along with that of other Filipino peoples at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, was intended as an educational display that would illustrate the important role that America could play in the Philippines.”
“The architects of the Igorot display had good intentions. They were interested in the new science of anthropology, which they understood to be "man's study of man," and hoped that an examination of the people of the Philippines might teach something of value.”
This exhibit though not focused on the advancement of the science of identification, open the door for Filipinos the concept of anthropology. The 1904 affair have served its purpose of opening the eyes of our countrymen that we are different from the rest of the world in its physical and cultural aspects. Nevertheless the Philippine exhibit had a glimpse of the concept of uniqueness for which fingerprint is known among intellectuals.
1930
Estate of the deceased Paulino Diancin. TEOPISTA DOLAR, proponent-appellant, vs. FIDEL DIANCIN ET AL., oppositors-appellees.1930 Dec 201st DivisionG.R. No. 33365D E C I S I O N
The will of the deceased Paulino Diancin was denied probate in the Court of First Instance of Iloilo on the sole ground that the thumbmarks appearing thereon were not the thumbmarks of the testator.
The will in question is alleged to have been executed by Paulino Diancin at Dumangas, Iloilo, on November 13, 1927.
One, Carlos J. Jaena, attempted to qualify as an "expert," and thereafter gave as his opinion that the thumbmarks had not been made by the same person. One, Jose G. Villanueva, likewise attempted to qualify as an "expert" and gave as his opinion that the thumbmarks were authentic.
The court stated in their decision: Expert testimony as to the identity of thumbmarks or fingerprints is of course admissible. The method of identification of fingerprints is a science requiring close study. The court justified however and refused to accept the opinions of alleged experts and cited the you need not be an expert to see the similarity in some respects between the admittedly genuine thumbmark and the questioned thumbmarks. This we do here. (Emperor vs. Abdul Hamid [1905], 32 Indian L. Rep., 759, cited in 3 Chamberlayne on the Modern Law of Evidence, sec. 2561, note 3.)
We reach the very definite conclusion that the document presented for probate as the last will of the deceased Paulino Diancin was, in truth, his will, and that the thumbmarks appearing thereon were the thumbmarks of the testator.
Avanceña, C. J., Johnson, Street, Villamor, Ostrand, Johns, Romualdez and Villa-Real, JJ., concur.
1933
G.R. No. L-38434 December 23, 1933
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee,
vs.
MARCIANO MEDINA y DIOKNO (alias MARIANO MEDINA, alias ALEJANDRO DOLA), defendant-appellant.
Agripino Ruiz made an impression as the first expert witness whose expert opinion receives merit in Philippine judicial history. This could be considered a landmark case where fingerprint evidence serves as basis in the conviction of Marciano Medina. The merit of the case was shown in the succeeding reports from the original transcript of the court:
A photograph showing an enlargement of the finger print found on the box was marked at the trial Exhibit A. Further enlargements of it are shown in Exhibits A-1 and A-2. Exhibit B is an enlargement of a photograph of the impression of the middle finger of defendant's right hand, taken while he was a prisoner in Bilibid.
When asked which were the ten points of agreement between the two impressions in question, the finger print expert replied that there were three classes of characteristics, namely: the endings of the ridges, the bifurcation of the ridges, and the core. The ten points of identity, which were marked on the photographs, are as follows:
1. Upward end of a ridge,
2. Core,
3. Both ends of a short ridge,
4. Both ends of a short ridge,
5. Downward end of a ridge,
6. Upward end of a ridge,
7. Bifurcation,
8. Upward end of a ridge,
9. Upward end of a ridge,
10. Bifurcation.
1936
November 13, 1936. The National Bureau of Investigation was born patterned after the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was the brainchild of the late President Manuel L. Quezon and Jose A. Yulo, then secretary of justice.
Flaviano C. Guerrero, the only Filipino member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with Thomas Dugan (a veteran Police Captain of the Ney York Police Department) helped in the selection and training of forensic specialists for the country including fingerprint technicians.
According to local crime laboratory monographs and manuscripts, the name Agustin C. Patricio was specifically mentioned topping the first examination on fingerprint given by Flaviano C. Guerrero. In March 31, 1948 he passed the bar examination and was included in the roll of attorneys (PhilippineLaw.info).
1946
RA 0036 “CENSUS ACT OF NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX”, 1946 Sep 30
Sec. 13. Of the law specifically mentioned the taking of fingerprints of both hands of every resident as part of the census procedures.
1947
Pursuant to EO No. 94, series 1947, the Philippine Constabulary was placed under the administrative and operational control of GHQ, AFP with a very extensive range of diversified missions that do not fall under its primary responsibilities. By express provision of law, the PC enforced the motor vehicles law, fishing and games law, the alien law for registration and fingerprinting.
1954
Former Supreme Court Justice Felix Angelo Bautista founded the Philippine College of Criminology, the pioneer school of Criminology for scientific crime detection. This higher educational institution is formerly known as Plaridel Educational Institute. The subject Personal Identification was included in the Criminology curriculum.
1966
RA 4731 “AN ACT TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT, PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE FOR VALIDATING THE PERMANENT REGISTRATION OF VOTERS APPROVED BY ELECTION REGISTRARS AND TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION BOARDS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” 1966 Jun 18
"Sec. 17. Voter's Identification. - The voters identification card shall serve and be considered as document for the identification of each registered voter.
1968
According to the Bureau of Prisons, fingerprints was first systematically used as part of the carpeta or also known as prisoner’s record. Famous criminal personalities include Marcial Ama alias Baby Ama (leader of the sige-sige gang) and Leonardo Manecio alias Nardong Putik (notorious gang leader in Cavite). To add more personalities such as Jaime Jose, Basilio Pineda, and Edgardo Aquino who were accused of raping the actress Magie Dela Riva in 1967.
May 14, 1967 Lucila Lalu, the first Filipina chop-chop lady was identified through systematic classification of her fingerprint. Her identification served as investigative lead towards the identification of the possible culprits.
1985
BP 881 “OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES” 1985 Dec 3, Batas Pambansa
Sec. 199. Challenge of illegal voters. (a) Any voter, or watcher may challenge any person offering to vote for not being registered, for using the name of another or suffering from existing disqualification. In such case, the board of election inspectors shall satisfy itself as to whether or not the ground for the challenge is true by requiring proof of registration or the identity of the voter; and
(b) No voter shall be required to present his voter's affidavit on election day unless his identity is challenged. His failure or inability to produce his voter's affidavit upon being challenged, shall not preclude him from voting if his identity be shown from the photograph, fingerprints, or specimen signatures in his approved application in the book of voters or if he is identified under oath by a member of the board of election inspectors and such identification shall be reflected in the minutes of the board.
1989
Executive Order No. 386 December 19, 1989
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION SYSTEM (NCIS), PROVIDING THE MECHANISMS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
This system was created to fulfill the following major purposes:
1. improved public safety and effective administration of justice require comprehensive, adequate and timely information on crimes, criminals and the operations of the Criminal Justice System; and
2. the identification and apprehension of criminals, improve the efficiency of criminal justice agencies, and ultimately help reduce crimes through better planning and use of manpower, equipment and government resources
However the executive order did not specifically mentioned the creation of criminal fingerprint database.
1995
RA 7919 “AN ACT GRANTING LEGAL RESIDENCE STATUS TO CERTAIN ALIENS THROUGH A SOCIAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM IN THE PHILIPPINES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS” 1995 Feb 24
4.2. The registration forms shall contain the applicant's full name and one alias by which he may be known; proof of his identity, good moral character and financial capacity through affidavits from two (2) Filipino citizens of good reputation in his/her place of residence; history of stay in the Philippines; residential address for the immediate past five (5) years; four (4) passport size pictures and a complete fingerprint card for each of the agencies mentioned in 4.1, including his/her most recent dental records which shall be submitted to the NBI.
2003
April 11, 2003
Philippine National Police officials unveiled the automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), the first electronic and scientific method capturing fingerprint images and textual information. PNP Chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. expressed hope that the new technology will help investigators in establishing the identities of suspects involved in crimes.
This is a project with an approved budget of 700 million peso and this was initiated through the assistance of the Japanese General Grant Aid Program (GGAP) and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
However, this similar government initiative was long realized by the United States in 1965. The FBI reinitiated its research into the complete automation of its criminal known-print repository. The National Crime Information Center was also established for this purpose. In the mid-1960s, initial research confirmed the feasibility of the project and, by the late 1960s, Cornell Laboratories was chosen to build a prototype automatic fingerprint reader (Stock, 1987, p 55). In 1972, this prototype, known as AIDS (Automated Identification System), was installed in the Identification Division in Washington, DC.
2010
Senate Bill 1282 10 July 12
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME DATABASE
Introduced by Sen. Manny Villar
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "National Crime Database Act."
SECTION 2. Purposes. The purposes of this Act are:
(a) to create a complete and accurate national criminal record database that is an essential element in fighting crime; and
(b) to require the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to provide information and records for the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File and to provide criminal-history records, in a timely fashion, to criminal-history record repositories and for non-criminal justice purposes, to update existing criminal record systems that are currently outdated and contain incomplete or incorrect information
III. Conclusion
Therefore, it is the intention of this article to present some accounts regarding the early use of fingerprint in the country. Being a Filipino Criminologist, I feel obligated to share information no matter how limited to encourage other scholars to explore further on this topic. It is our high hopes that in the future, the Philippine government will recognize the importance of creating a commission that will explore the history of the systematic use of fingerprints in our own country. The humble presenter will welcome any collaborative study or any joint venture anchored on the exploration of the past transactions of Filipinos using one of the significant details of our human persona, our “fingerprints”.
IV. References
Clevenger, Martha. (2000) The Igorots in ST. LOUIS FAIR 1904
Villar, Manny. (2010) Senate Bill 1282, National Crime Database Act
US Department of Justice. (2005) Fingerprint Sourcebook. National Institute of Justice
http://www.nbi.gov.ph
http://www.video48.blogspot.com
ttp://www.philstar.com/headlines/202415/pnp-unveils-automated-fingerprint-id-system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Constabulary#Camp_Cram.C3.A9
http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1989/eo_386_1989.html
The story behind humanity and its existence has been spoken and recorded in various forms in the same manner as the very mark of our individuality left a lasting impression. The prominence of this very personal mark was recognized not only by the present civilization but the ancient as well. Knowing thyself would never be complete without the discovery of the unique designs found at the distal part of our fingers. With the firm belief that in deed “there is no duplication in nature” many scholars and scientists were driven to explore deeper on this theoretical framework.
According to Locard’s Exchange Principle “every contact leaves a trace”. This explains how our inquisitive ancestors discovered one of the most valuable characteristic of humanity, our fingerprints. This in effect spelled the difference amongst humanity not only between races but it transcends beyond infallible personal differentiation. To date, the use of fingerprints to identify individuals has become universally accepted, hence court rulings on the admissibility of fingerprints as a reliable means of personal identification has become commonplace.
Across cultures, the use of friction ridge skin impressions as a means of identification has been around for thousands of years. Friction ridge skin impressions were used as proof of a person’s identity in China perhaps as early as 300 B.C., in Japan as early as A.D. 702, and in the United States since 1902 (Barnes, 2002).
In the Philippines, we might have read several materials or studies about fingerprints but to no avail, less has been written about this valuable human residue. Discovery of fingerprints were among the significant archeological find or perhaps anthropological discoveries whose value and use was recognized even before the time of Jesus Christ. Our historians or researchers in the country may have failed to recognize the importance of citing the early use of fingerprint in any of our race transactions. For this reason we find limited published and unpublished articles, writings or researches about the early use of fingerprints by the people of the archipelago.
The presentation will start on the year 1904. This year is considered remarkable for the rest of the world when various delegates and people around the world meet together in a common ground. The St. Louis World's Fair was the largest of them all occupying 1292 acres and with 12 million paid visitors, and a total of 20 million visitors.
At the 1904 World’s Fair apart from the international exhibits of the world’s new inventions and discoveries, were three booths demonstrating identification methods. One booth displayed the anthropometric method and was run by Emerson E. Davis from New York. Captain James J. Parke, from New York, and Inspector John Kenneth Ferrier, of New Scotland Yard, each set up a booth displaying the fingerprint method of identification. Inspector Ferrier discussed the fingerprint method with many individuals at the fair, several of whom were in charge of their own police departments throughout the United States. He also showed visitors an instance where the anthropometric measurements of two men varied by only a millimeter and how the fingerprints were different (Myers, 1938, p 19).
You might be wondering what the Philippine delegates have showcased in this memorable event. The entire world was astonished to witness and had a first look at the newest invention and discoveries the brilliant minds around the world had to offer.
Philippines never missed this event. But one question bothered the presenter’s mind, “Are there Filipinos present in the exhibit areas specially the ones set up for fingerprint identification purposes?” With frustration, the presenter failed to find any citation of Filipinos presence and participation in the exhibit where the latest information and application in the field of fingerprint science were showcased and demonstrated.
It was noted however, that a band formed on October 15, 1902 by Colonel Walter Loving upon the instructions of Civil Governor William Howard Taft, who was known as a music lover was present. It will be recalled further that among the many things for which the Philippines was famous abroad before the First World War was the Philippine Constabulary Band. The 86 piece band toured the United States to great acclaim, including leading the parade in Washington, D.C. when Taft was inaugurated President, and performances at the 1904 World Fair (http://en.wikipedia.org).
Was there any living Filipino soul who were lured and captivated by the exhibitors of the various booths where the so-called most valuable tool in identifying individuals was the subject of the educational exhibit? According to local forensic monographs in the country, a name Generoso Reyes was frequently mentioned. It was alleged that he was the first fingerprint technician employed by the Philippine Constabulary sometime in the 1930s. It is not safe to assume that he is one of the soldiers who were present in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
In a separate account of this historical event through the speech of Martha R. Clevenger at Wydown Middle School, Clayton, Missouri May 26, 2000, I quote:
“In 1904, a group of Igorot men and women, members of a Filipino tribe, were exhibited on the grounds of the St. Louis World's Fair as a human exhibit. Exhibited in a manner that was supposed to recreate the Igorots' circumstances and conditions of life in the Philippines, this display, along with that of other Filipino peoples at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, was intended as an educational display that would illustrate the important role that America could play in the Philippines.”
“The architects of the Igorot display had good intentions. They were interested in the new science of anthropology, which they understood to be "man's study of man," and hoped that an examination of the people of the Philippines might teach something of value.”
This exhibit though not focused on the advancement of the science of identification, open the door for Filipinos the concept of anthropology. The 1904 affair have served its purpose of opening the eyes of our countrymen that we are different from the rest of the world in its physical and cultural aspects. Nevertheless the Philippine exhibit had a glimpse of the concept of uniqueness for which fingerprint is known among intellectuals.
1930
Estate of the deceased Paulino Diancin. TEOPISTA DOLAR, proponent-appellant, vs. FIDEL DIANCIN ET AL., oppositors-appellees.1930 Dec 201st DivisionG.R. No. 33365D E C I S I O N
The will of the deceased Paulino Diancin was denied probate in the Court of First Instance of Iloilo on the sole ground that the thumbmarks appearing thereon were not the thumbmarks of the testator.
The will in question is alleged to have been executed by Paulino Diancin at Dumangas, Iloilo, on November 13, 1927.
One, Carlos J. Jaena, attempted to qualify as an "expert," and thereafter gave as his opinion that the thumbmarks had not been made by the same person. One, Jose G. Villanueva, likewise attempted to qualify as an "expert" and gave as his opinion that the thumbmarks were authentic.
The court stated in their decision: Expert testimony as to the identity of thumbmarks or fingerprints is of course admissible. The method of identification of fingerprints is a science requiring close study. The court justified however and refused to accept the opinions of alleged experts and cited the you need not be an expert to see the similarity in some respects between the admittedly genuine thumbmark and the questioned thumbmarks. This we do here. (Emperor vs. Abdul Hamid [1905], 32 Indian L. Rep., 759, cited in 3 Chamberlayne on the Modern Law of Evidence, sec. 2561, note 3.)
We reach the very definite conclusion that the document presented for probate as the last will of the deceased Paulino Diancin was, in truth, his will, and that the thumbmarks appearing thereon were the thumbmarks of the testator.
Avanceña, C. J., Johnson, Street, Villamor, Ostrand, Johns, Romualdez and Villa-Real, JJ., concur.
1933
G.R. No. L-38434 December 23, 1933
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee,
vs.
MARCIANO MEDINA y DIOKNO (alias MARIANO MEDINA, alias ALEJANDRO DOLA), defendant-appellant.
Agripino Ruiz made an impression as the first expert witness whose expert opinion receives merit in Philippine judicial history. This could be considered a landmark case where fingerprint evidence serves as basis in the conviction of Marciano Medina. The merit of the case was shown in the succeeding reports from the original transcript of the court:
A photograph showing an enlargement of the finger print found on the box was marked at the trial Exhibit A. Further enlargements of it are shown in Exhibits A-1 and A-2. Exhibit B is an enlargement of a photograph of the impression of the middle finger of defendant's right hand, taken while he was a prisoner in Bilibid.
When asked which were the ten points of agreement between the two impressions in question, the finger print expert replied that there were three classes of characteristics, namely: the endings of the ridges, the bifurcation of the ridges, and the core. The ten points of identity, which were marked on the photographs, are as follows:
1. Upward end of a ridge,
2. Core,
3. Both ends of a short ridge,
4. Both ends of a short ridge,
5. Downward end of a ridge,
6. Upward end of a ridge,
7. Bifurcation,
8. Upward end of a ridge,
9. Upward end of a ridge,
10. Bifurcation.
1936
November 13, 1936. The National Bureau of Investigation was born patterned after the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was the brainchild of the late President Manuel L. Quezon and Jose A. Yulo, then secretary of justice.
Flaviano C. Guerrero, the only Filipino member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with Thomas Dugan (a veteran Police Captain of the Ney York Police Department) helped in the selection and training of forensic specialists for the country including fingerprint technicians.
According to local crime laboratory monographs and manuscripts, the name Agustin C. Patricio was specifically mentioned topping the first examination on fingerprint given by Flaviano C. Guerrero. In March 31, 1948 he passed the bar examination and was included in the roll of attorneys (PhilippineLaw.info).
1946
RA 0036 “CENSUS ACT OF NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX”, 1946 Sep 30
Sec. 13. Of the law specifically mentioned the taking of fingerprints of both hands of every resident as part of the census procedures.
1947
Pursuant to EO No. 94, series 1947, the Philippine Constabulary was placed under the administrative and operational control of GHQ, AFP with a very extensive range of diversified missions that do not fall under its primary responsibilities. By express provision of law, the PC enforced the motor vehicles law, fishing and games law, the alien law for registration and fingerprinting.
1954
Former Supreme Court Justice Felix Angelo Bautista founded the Philippine College of Criminology, the pioneer school of Criminology for scientific crime detection. This higher educational institution is formerly known as Plaridel Educational Institute. The subject Personal Identification was included in the Criminology curriculum.
1966
RA 4731 “AN ACT TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT, PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE FOR VALIDATING THE PERMANENT REGISTRATION OF VOTERS APPROVED BY ELECTION REGISTRARS AND TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION BOARDS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” 1966 Jun 18
"Sec. 17. Voter's Identification. - The voters identification card shall serve and be considered as document for the identification of each registered voter.
1968
According to the Bureau of Prisons, fingerprints was first systematically used as part of the carpeta or also known as prisoner’s record. Famous criminal personalities include Marcial Ama alias Baby Ama (leader of the sige-sige gang) and Leonardo Manecio alias Nardong Putik (notorious gang leader in Cavite). To add more personalities such as Jaime Jose, Basilio Pineda, and Edgardo Aquino who were accused of raping the actress Magie Dela Riva in 1967.
May 14, 1967 Lucila Lalu, the first Filipina chop-chop lady was identified through systematic classification of her fingerprint. Her identification served as investigative lead towards the identification of the possible culprits.
1985
BP 881 “OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES” 1985 Dec 3, Batas Pambansa
Sec. 199. Challenge of illegal voters. (a) Any voter, or watcher may challenge any person offering to vote for not being registered, for using the name of another or suffering from existing disqualification. In such case, the board of election inspectors shall satisfy itself as to whether or not the ground for the challenge is true by requiring proof of registration or the identity of the voter; and
(b) No voter shall be required to present his voter's affidavit on election day unless his identity is challenged. His failure or inability to produce his voter's affidavit upon being challenged, shall not preclude him from voting if his identity be shown from the photograph, fingerprints, or specimen signatures in his approved application in the book of voters or if he is identified under oath by a member of the board of election inspectors and such identification shall be reflected in the minutes of the board.
1989
Executive Order No. 386 December 19, 1989
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION SYSTEM (NCIS), PROVIDING THE MECHANISMS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
This system was created to fulfill the following major purposes:
1. improved public safety and effective administration of justice require comprehensive, adequate and timely information on crimes, criminals and the operations of the Criminal Justice System; and
2. the identification and apprehension of criminals, improve the efficiency of criminal justice agencies, and ultimately help reduce crimes through better planning and use of manpower, equipment and government resources
However the executive order did not specifically mentioned the creation of criminal fingerprint database.
1995
RA 7919 “AN ACT GRANTING LEGAL RESIDENCE STATUS TO CERTAIN ALIENS THROUGH A SOCIAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM IN THE PHILIPPINES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS” 1995 Feb 24
4.2. The registration forms shall contain the applicant's full name and one alias by which he may be known; proof of his identity, good moral character and financial capacity through affidavits from two (2) Filipino citizens of good reputation in his/her place of residence; history of stay in the Philippines; residential address for the immediate past five (5) years; four (4) passport size pictures and a complete fingerprint card for each of the agencies mentioned in 4.1, including his/her most recent dental records which shall be submitted to the NBI.
2003
April 11, 2003
Philippine National Police officials unveiled the automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), the first electronic and scientific method capturing fingerprint images and textual information. PNP Chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. expressed hope that the new technology will help investigators in establishing the identities of suspects involved in crimes.
This is a project with an approved budget of 700 million peso and this was initiated through the assistance of the Japanese General Grant Aid Program (GGAP) and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
However, this similar government initiative was long realized by the United States in 1965. The FBI reinitiated its research into the complete automation of its criminal known-print repository. The National Crime Information Center was also established for this purpose. In the mid-1960s, initial research confirmed the feasibility of the project and, by the late 1960s, Cornell Laboratories was chosen to build a prototype automatic fingerprint reader (Stock, 1987, p 55). In 1972, this prototype, known as AIDS (Automated Identification System), was installed in the Identification Division in Washington, DC.
2010
Senate Bill 1282 10 July 12
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME DATABASE
Introduced by Sen. Manny Villar
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "National Crime Database Act."
SECTION 2. Purposes. The purposes of this Act are:
(a) to create a complete and accurate national criminal record database that is an essential element in fighting crime; and
(b) to require the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to provide information and records for the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File and to provide criminal-history records, in a timely fashion, to criminal-history record repositories and for non-criminal justice purposes, to update existing criminal record systems that are currently outdated and contain incomplete or incorrect information
III. Conclusion
Therefore, it is the intention of this article to present some accounts regarding the early use of fingerprint in the country. Being a Filipino Criminologist, I feel obligated to share information no matter how limited to encourage other scholars to explore further on this topic. It is our high hopes that in the future, the Philippine government will recognize the importance of creating a commission that will explore the history of the systematic use of fingerprints in our own country. The humble presenter will welcome any collaborative study or any joint venture anchored on the exploration of the past transactions of Filipinos using one of the significant details of our human persona, our “fingerprints”.
IV. References
Clevenger, Martha. (2000) The Igorots in ST. LOUIS FAIR 1904
Villar, Manny. (2010) Senate Bill 1282, National Crime Database Act
US Department of Justice. (2005) Fingerprint Sourcebook. National Institute of Justice
http://www.nbi.gov.ph
http://www.video48.blogspot.com
ttp://www.philstar.com/headlines/202415/pnp-unveils-automated-fingerprint-id-system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Constabulary#Camp_Cram.C3.A9
http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1989/eo_386_1989.html