Deputy Consul General Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Consuls Joseph Gerard Angeles and Orontes Castro are closely monitoring the search and recovery efforts by visiting hospitals, morgues and command centers, including the Family Action Center on Pier 94 on 55th Street. In one of the largest and most difficult identification projects in U.S. history, forensic scientists across the country are pitching in to help match the DNA of victims. Lacanlale said the consulates have been directed to remind victims families to submit comparison DNA samples of their missing loved ones. Family members are asked to bring personal items of missing persons in order to begin DNA analysis for ID purposes, she said.
Samples containing saliva are the most preferable.
In order to yield the most accurate results, the items should be as personal as possible such as toothbrush, electric razor, hairbrush, pillowcase, worn or unwashed underwear, used cups, drinking glasses or eating utensils, used tissues, cigarette butts or chewing gum. In addition, family members can assist by contributing a sample of their own DNA such as cheek swabs. The sample donor should be a direct genetic relative of the missing person. Over 1,000 relatives of the victims, some of them Filipinos, arrived at the New York armory over the weekend and handed over DNA samples. DNA is so microscopic that I would say that the chances are very great that everybody will be identified, said New Jersey State Police Maj.