Quang Ninh implements the "500-day and night campaign" to collect DNA samples from the remains of fallen soldiers for identification
On May 29th, at the Martyrs' Cemetery in Phong Coc Ward, the Steering Committee for the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains (Steering Committee 515) of Quang Ninh province organized the collection of remains of unidentified martyrs for DNA testing. This activity is part of the "500-Day Campaign to Intensify the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains," a practical step towards commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2027).
Directly supervising the meeting were: Major General Nguyen Nam Tien, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Head of Political Affairs of Military Region 3, Deputy Head of the 515 Steering Committee of Military Region 3; and Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province and Head of the 515 Steering Committee of the province. Representatives from specialized agencies of Military Region 3, the Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command, and related units also attended.
In a solemn atmosphere, the delegates respectfully laid flowers and incense and observed a moment of silence to commemorate the great contributions of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.
Phong Coc ward was selected as the first locality in Quang Ninh province to implement the campaign, aiming to provide a practical basis for learning before organizing it simultaneously in other communes, wards, and special zones.
The Martyrs' Cemetery in the ward currently contains 154 graves, of which the authorities have taken biological samples from 5 graves requiring identification, including 4 graves with completely missing information and 1 grave with inaccurate information.
The entire process was carried out by specialized forces in strict accordance with technical procedures, from preparing documents, determining locations, excavating, collecting samples, sealing, assigning identification codes, to updating digitized data and preservation. After the sampling was completed, all graves were restored to their original state, ensuring their sacredness, solemnity, and absolute safety.
Immediately following the field trip, the Steering Committee 515 of Quang Ninh province held a debriefing conference at the Regional Defense Command 5 - Quang Yen, chaired by Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh.
According to the summary report, Quang Ninh province currently has 22 martyrs' cemeteries with approximately 3,800 graves. After thorough review, the Steering Committee identified 764 remains of martyrs in 17 cemeteries that are either unaccounted for or only partially identified, requiring DNA testing in the near future.
Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh highly appreciated the thorough preparation of Phong Coc ward and the efforts of the participating forces. She also emphasized that the most important requirement is to ensure accuracy and strict adherence to procedures, absolutely preventing any errors, mistakes, or loss of information.
As of the end of June 2026, the province still has approximately 200 projects that are behind schedule and have been stalled for a long time, including many large-scale projects in urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and industry.
The provincial People's Committee leaders also requested localities to continue to strengthen the review of dossiers, enhance propaganda, provide professional training, and improve the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination in conjunction with promoting digital transformation.
With the highest level of political determination, Quang Ninh strives to complete all work of collecting remains of fallen soldiers before September 2, 2026. This goal is 90 days ahead of the plan of Military Region 3 and 300 days ahead of the central government's plan. This will help fulfill the wishes of the families of fallen soldiers and further enhance the fine tradition of gratitude and remembrance in the province.