Kin hope ‘Kulot’ still alive

MANILA, Philippines — The DNA findings released by the PNP have stirred uncertainty among the family and friends of Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman.

His sister-in-law Grace said that while the results could indicate that he could still be alive, they find it painful to imagine that he could be somewhere being kept against his will.

De Guzman’s body – or what his loved ones believed to be his – is lying in a funeral home in Barangay San Andres in Cainta.

“We’re nervous about what could happen next if the body would turn out to be not really Kulot’s. Instead of feeling grief, we’re worried because if it’s not Kulot, then where is he,” Grace told The STAR in Filipino.

De Guzman’s elder brother Edmund echoed Grace’s sentiment, adding that the development has made the situation more confusing and even complicated.

He said he has already accepted the worst regarding his younger brother.

“Parang iba kasi. Pero noong nakita ko siya, natanggap ko na si Kulot ito kasi pinaniwala ko sarili ko na siya ito. Sinanay ko din sarili ko na siya nga ito, pero ngayon nagdududa rin ako sa bangkay (It looked different. When I saw it I accepted that it’s Kulot, and I made myself believe it’s him. I conditioned myself to believe that it’s him, but now I’m having doubts),” he said.

De Guzman’s two other brothers Edgardo and Royette also claimed they have doubts on the real identity of the body on public display at a funeral home.

Grace said they were wondering how the police came up with the result less than a week after the supposed remains of Kulot were found in Nueva Ecija. She said De Guzman’s father had been told results of DNA test would be ready in two weeks.