The US Federal Bureau of Investigation 'has evidence that supports the claim' that it was top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir who was killed on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, according to a police report
MOST WANTED: Top Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist 'Marwan' is the target of the PNP-SAF operation in Maguindanao
After years of manhunt and a number of botched military and police operations, the Philippines finally got top Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, better known as "Marwan."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to match the sample obtained by the police Special Action Force (SAF) in the January 25 operation in Mamamsapano Maguindanao with the DNA of his brother who is detained in the US, according to a report obtained by Rappler from two separate police sources.
"Based on preliminary test results the FBI has evidence that supports the claim that the DNA sample provided by the Government of the Philippines (GOP) on 27 January 2015 is related to the currently incarcerated subject Rahmat Abhdir," read the report obtained by Rappler. (Read more about Marwan, his brother and activities in the Philippines in this exclusive Rappler report.)
"Preliminary testing indicates Rahmat Abdhir and the DNA sample provided by the GOP are consistent with coming from siblings and sharing the same paternal heritage (i.e. same biological father)," the report added.
A SAF commando told Rappler they knew as early as 3 days after the January 25 operation that the FBI confirmed the DNA match. The final confirmation was relayed to him on Wednesday, February 4. He said he believes relieved SAF commander Director Getulio Napeñas Jr already had the information before he held a press conference Wednesday where he threatened to quit if it wasn't Marwan the SAF killed in Mamasapano.
A SAF commando told Rappler they knew as early as 3 days after the January 25 operation that the FBI confirmed the DNA match. The final confirmation was relayed to him on Wednesday, February 4. He said he believes relieved SAF commander Director Getulio Napeñas Jr already had the information before he held a press conference Wednesday where he threatened to quit if it wasn't Marwan the SAF killed in Mamasapano.
A military intelligence officer is the third source to separately confirm that Marwan was killed in the January 25 SAF operation.
The 84th Special Action Force (SAF) company killed Marwan inside his hut in barangay Pidsandawan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Unable to carry his body, they cut his finger for DNA matching. (READ: Inside Mamasapano: When the bullets ran out)
Another team of SAF commandos that was supposed to serve as their blocking force were engaged in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Muslim rebel group that is in control of the area. A total of 44 SAF commandos were killed in the operation.
This ends the years-long hunt for the member of the JI central command, the group that is responsible for the 2002 Bali bombing that killed more than 200 people.
He is one of the most wanted terrorists of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. He carries a US$5 million bounty on his head.
In his speech last week, President Beningno Aquino III also highlighted the importance of getting Marwan. He cited a series of acts of terrorism in the Philippines that he is responsible for. He said he also worked with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) leader Umbra Kato.
Marwan has been the target of a number of police and military operation. He was also the target of a military airstrike in Sulu in February 2012. The Philippines announced back then that he was killed in that operation and did not make a correction until two years later. (READ: After 2 years, PH military says 'killed' terrorist leader likely alive)
A US-trained engineer, Marwan also heads the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia or KMM. He has reportedly conducted bomb-making training for terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group of the Philippines.
He was believed to have been living in the Philippines since 2003. He was indicted by a US court in 2007 for, among other charges, providing material support to terrorists.
Aquino said there are at least two outstanding warrants of arrest against Marwan.
Here is FBI's description of Marwan:
'Zulkifli Abdhir is thought to be the head of the Kumpulun Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) terrorist organization and a member of Jemaah Islamiyah's (JI) central command. It is alleged that he is a supplier to terrorist organizations and also conducts bomb-making training for terrorist organizations, specifically the Abu Sayyaf Group. Abdhir was indicted on August 1, 2007, in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, and charged with providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, contributing goods and services to a specially designated global terrorist, and making false statements.'
“Marwan is the most important Malaysian terrorist,” Rohan Gunaratna, the head of the International Centre for Political Violence & Terrorism Research in Singapore and the author of Inside al-Qaeda, told Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa in a previous interview.
“He has worked very closely with Al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah, the Rajah Solaiman Revolutionary Movement, the Abu Sayyaf and the MNLF factions. He’s on the radar of many organizations,” Gunaratna added.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82941-marwan-dead-fbi
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