Members of the sampling teams from Cà Mau provincial Military Command classify biological samples collected from unidentified war martyrs' remains for DNA analysis on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Đông

CÀ MAU — Authorities in the southern province of Cà Mau on Wednesday transferred the first batch of biological samples collected from unidentified war martyrs' remains for DNA analysis, marking an important step in the national 500-day campaign to identify fallen soldiers.

At a ceremony held at the Trần Văn Thời Commune Martyrs' Cemetery, the provincial Steering Committee for the Search, Collection and Identification of Martyrs' Remains offered incense before handing over 237 eligible biological samples to the Institute of Criminal Science under the Ministry of Public Security for DNA testing.

According to the steering committee, authorities exhumed and collected samples from 263 unidentified graves at the cemetery. After technical assessments and classification in line with professional procedures, 237 samples were found suitable for DNA analysis.

To support the work, the Cà Mau provincial Military Command advised the provincial steering committee to establish an inter-agency task force and two specialised sampling teams. During the exhumation process, the teams worked with Viettel Cà Mau's technical staff to digitise all grave records, cemetery maps, recovery information and sampling documents.

The digital database will support the long-term storage and management of information while facilitating DNA comparison at forensic laboratories operated by the Ministry of National Defence.

Following the incense-offering ceremony, the steering committee's transport team used a specialised vehicle to deliver the samples to Cần Thơ International Airport for transfer to Hà Nội, where they will undergo forensic examinations.

Provincial authorities said they will next begin collecting and handing over samples from unidentified graves at the Nam Căn Commune Martyrs' Cemetery before expanding the work to all remaining martyrs' cemeteries across the province.

Cà Mau aims to complete the collection of samples from all 3,382 unidentified martyrs in the province by the end of the first quarter of 2027. — VNA/VNS