Forensic Biogeographical Ancestry Inference in the Philippines: Considerations for Future Implementation

Biogeographical ancestry (BGA) inference can generate valuable investigative leads when STR-based identification is not immediately available. However, the absence of suitable Filipino ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) and reference population databases poses challenges in developing and establishing a BGA inference capability to complement current forensic DNA analysis methods.

Complex genetic relationships exist among Filipino groups resulting from ancient and recent migrations, admixture, and isolation driven by socio-cultural, economic, and geographical factors. Assessments of existing forensic BGA assays indicate limited informativeness in local investigations within the Asia Pacific, including the Philippines. This review highlights the need to identify more suitable AIMs and establish a suitable population database from different groups for more informative forensic BGA inference in the Philippines.

This paper reviews considerations relevant to the application of forensic BGA inference in the Philippines. The challenges associated with establishing representative population datasets, identifying ancestry-informative markers and capability implementation are highlighted.