PNP, AFP: Suspected body of Malik to undergo forensic examination

From GMA News (Sep 30): PNP, AFP: Suspected body of Malik to undergo forensic examination

Authorities have yet to confirm the whereabouts of Moro National Liberation Front Commander Habier Malik after identification cards belonging to him were found on one of the slain followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City over the weekend.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online Monday morning, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said police and military officials have yet to determine Malik's whereabouts.

He said authorities are still double-checking if the body where the IDs where found is indeed that of Malik, a known ally of Misuari.

"Vina-validate pa namin ang body... Specifically ang PNP, sila ang nagha-handle ng post-forensic examination," he said.

For his part, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said the body is still being investigated at the PNP crime laboratory.

"Wala pang confirmation," he said in a separate phone interview with GMA News Online.

Earlier, AFP information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Malik is one of the five commanders of the MNLF forces that had briefly taken control over parts of the city for nearly three weeks.

"We have to consider how many forces. There are five commanders, and Malik is just one of them," Zagala said in an interview on dzBB radio.

As for Misuari, Zagala said their information indicates he is still in Sulu, but declined to elaborate.

He also said they are monitoring Misuari's movements.

Misuari's followers had engaged government forces in armed confrontations starting Sept. 9, when they took civilians as hostages. More than 100 people have been killed in the fighting, which paralyzed the city's businesses and schools.

On Saturday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the crisis is over, but clearing operations would continue to ensure that no more MNLF rebels would be left in the city.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/328726/news/regions/pnp-afp-suspected-body-of-malik-to-undergo-forensic-examination