Exploring the Cold Cases in Mindoro: A Phenomenological Study

Cold cases attract public attention that needs to be addressed to safeguard and ensure that justice is served even if cases remain unsolved for a certain period. Literature suggests that several factors contributed on why cases remain unsolved. This study aimed to establish the prevalent types of cold case in the province of Mindoro, explored why factors contributory were cold, and proposed the recommendations for the future of cold case investigation. An interview guide was used in in-person interviews on the police investigator handling cold cases. Analysis of cold cases revealed that murder was the prevalent type of cold case mainly shooting incidents. The identified contributory factors were, the following: police investigators were overloaded, important leads were not pursued due to lack of information and family cooperation, retired investigators’ turn-over of cold cases was incomplete as well as dissolved network, insufficient resources, lack of physical evidence, delayed lab results, and uncooperative witnesses were the common reason. To address this gap, this study recommended building trust with residents, specialized training and dedicated units for cold cases, and synergy between legislative bodies and PNP in making policies that support cold case investigations and community engagement. A transformational leadership style was recommended within the police force. Investigative techniques must be improved like profiling and statement analysis, along with advancements in digital forensics, forensic ballistics, and DNA analysis which are essential for the future direction of cold case investigation.