According to the family, the embalming was performed in El Nido, where they paid ₱3,500 for the service. They said they were assured that the chemicals used would preserve the body for up to five days. Alarmed by the situation, the family sought the opinion of another embalmer in Puerto Princesa City to examine the body. Formalin is a chemical commonly used during the embalming process to slow decomposition and help preserve the body during the wake. Proper embalming is an important part of funeral preparation because it helps preserve the body and delays natural decomposition.