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Quảng Ngãi reviews the collection of biological samples from all 13,514 graves of fallen soldiers
Quảng Ngãi–Quảng Ngãi has completed the collection of biological samples from all 13,514 graves of fallen soldiers whose identities remain unknown, ahead of schedule, as the province steps up efforts to search for and identify fallen soldiers under the “500-Day-and-Night Campaign”.
The results were reported at a conference held in Kon Tum Ward on October 23 to review the province’s 2026 work and assess the first phase of the campaign.
Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Hô Văn Niên attended the event, along with Y Ngoc, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee and head of the provincial steering committee, and representatives of military units, departments and local authorities.
The province completed the collection of biological samples from all 13,514 graves 45 days ahead of its provincial deadline and five months ahead of the national schedule.
It also collected 4,929 DNA samples from relatives of fallen soldiers, reaching 80.16 per cent of the target and exceeding the assigned quota by 10.16 per cent.
During the campaign, authorities received 738 pieces of information concerning fallen soldiers and their graves, issued 610 written responses, and conducted 14 field-survey conferences and a scientific workshop.
Through 60 survey and verification missions, search teams recovered 45 sets of remains in Việt Nam and four in Laos during the 2025–2026 dry season.
The province has also continued to digitise records and work with authorities in Laos and Cambodia to search for and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and military experts who died during wartime.
Addressing the conference, Niên called on local authorities and relevant agencies to mobilise all available resources for the campaign’s second phase, stressing that the work remained an urgent and ongoing priority.
He urged the provincial steering committee and military command to accelerate searches at five suspected mass-grave sites identified by the national steering committee and Military Region 5.
Authorities were also asked to intensify the collection and cross-checking of information from witnesses, veterans and local residents, while preparing for difficulties caused by the rainy and stormy season.
For search missions in Laos and Cambodia, the K53 team was instructed to ensure adequate personnel and logistical support, comply with host-country laws and diplomatic protocols, respect local customs, and maintain safety throughout search, recovery and repatriation operations.
Y Ngọc called for closer monitoring of assigned tasks and more effective coordination among agencies and localities.
She also proposed that national authorities and the Ministry of National Defence prioritise DNA testing for cases with sufficient evidence to support identification.
At the conference, the Provincial People’s Committee presented certificates of merit to 12 collectives and 39 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the campaign.
Two collectives and two individuals were also proposed for commendations from the Prime Minister.
The province will continue to focus resources on the campaign’s second phase, with the aim of accelerating the recovery and identification of fallen soldiers and bringing their remains home for dignified commemoration and burial.
M.H
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