STR polymorphisms in Philippine ethnolinguistic groups: evaluation of forensic utility

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Population Genetics
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Accurate forensic identity testing relies on population-specific genetic data.
• Understanding genetic variation within major ethnolinguistic groups is crucial for representative Filipino population data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish statistical parameters for short tandem repeat (STR) loci in major Philippine ethnolinguistic groups.
• To evaluate the suitability of selected STR loci for forensic identity and paternity testing in the Filipino population.

Main Methods:

• Collected population data for four STR loci (F13AO1, FES/FPS, HUMvWA, HUMTHO1) from Cebuano, Ilocano, and Pampango populations.
• Analyzed allele frequencies, tested for population differences, and assessed linkage equilibrium.
• Calculated statistical parameters including combined power of exclusion and paternity exclusion.

Main Results:

• Allele numbers ranged from 4 to 9 across loci, consistent with global observations.
• No statistically significant differences in allele frequency distributions were found among the three populations.
• The four STR loci combined demonstrated a high power of exclusion (>0.9995) and paternity exclusion (0.8859-0.9389).

Conclusions:

• The selected STR loci are genetically stable and suitable for forensic applications in the Filipino population.
• The combined data from these loci provide robust discriminatory power for identity and paternity testing.
• This study contributes essential population data for enhancing forensic investigations in the Philippines.