Ho Chi Minh City has exceeded the schedule for collecting DNA samples from the remains of fallen soldiers at all 18 cemeteries
The completion of 100% of the biological sample collection from the remains of fallen soldiers at all 18 martyrs' cemeteries, one month ahead of schedule, provides an important basis for Ho Chi Minh City to expedite DNA testing and identify the fallen soldiers.
On August 17th, the Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains (Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee 515) announced that, to date, forces have completed collecting 9,854 biological samples at all 18 martyrs' cemeteries in the city. Of these, 7,104 samples are eligible for DNA testing. According to the previous plan, the sample collection was expected to be completed by September 2026.
In addition to collecting biological samples at martyrs' cemeteries, the Ho Chi Minh City Police collected 1,843 DNA samples from relatives of martyrs in the first phase. More than 2,000 relatives have registered to continue having samples taken in the second phase, to be used for comparison and identification of the remains of martyrs.
After being reviewed and standardized, the remains samples will be handed over by the authorities to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology for DNA testing. Biological data and family information are also standardized and interconnected to shorten the time for cross-referencing and identifying fallen soldiers.
