Marwan dead, DNA test confirms

MANILA, Philippines - A source from the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday that the DNA sample taken from a body killed in the Mamasapano clash confirmed that it was indeed that of high-profile terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

Reports said Marwan's DNA, which came from his right index finger, was tested against that of his brother, who is under the custody of the United States (US) government. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the match, reports said.

The international terrorist had a $5-million bounty on his head. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said the informant who told about Marwan's whereabouts will get the reward if the terrorist is confirmed dead.

Marwan, a Malaysian bomb-maker who had trained at least 300 bombers in Mindanao, was the target of a PNP-Special Action Forces operation which left at least 44 of its members killed, after the group clashed with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.