Forensic expert to examine Archbishop’s body

A forensic expert is set to examine the remains of the late Archbishop Teofilo Camomot next month.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, a forensic consultant for the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), will be in Cebu on Jan. 3 and 4, 2018 to examine the remains of the late bishop before it will be transferred to its new tomb at the Domus Teofilo.

Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, vice postulator for Camomot’s case, told reporters in a press conference yesterday that aside from Erfe, five other doctors will also conduct the exhumation and forensic examination on the late bishop’s remains.

Camomot’s remains are currently buried in the shrine behind the Daughters of St. Therese (DST) Mother House in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City.

Balili said that Erfe will help determine various physical characteristics, including the archbishop’s height and his condition just before he died.

Before the exhumation, a mass will be presided by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at 9 a.m. along with the Board of Consultors of the Archdiocese and the Daughters of St. Therese (DST) Mother House in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City.

After the mass, Erfe, his team and those who will be involved in exhuming Camomot’s body will hold a private audience with Palma.

Balili explained that part of the protocol during the exhumation process was to secure the oaths of the doctors and those involved in exhuming Camomot’s remains to ensure that the proceedings will be strictly confidential.

The pledge also aims to prevent those involved in exhuming Camomot’s remains from removing any article from the body, Balili said.

Aside from the forensic examination, Fr. Samson Silloriquez, the main postulator of Camomot’s cause, will also take a part of Camomot’s remains to serve as a relic should the late bishop be beatified or canonized.

The relic will be brought to Rome for examination.

“Para dili na mag-abli-abli, magdoble, magkuha na lang daan kay dili i-expose ang iyang lawas kay di pa man siya santos (Better do it now so they don’t have to examine the body again later since he is not yet a saint),” Balili said.

Once the remains are transferred to the Domus Teofilo, the site will be opened for public viewing at 5 p.m.

Balili said they are preparing a likeness of the late bishop made of fiberglass that will house the late bishop’s remains. /