DNA tests confirm Marwan’s death

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

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) 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 Mamasapano, 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 Napeas Jr already had the information before he held a press conference Wednesday where he threatened to quit if it wasn't Marwan that 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.

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DNA tests confirm Marwan's death