FBI did not declare Marwan was dead
MANILA— The United States Federal Investigation Bureau did not categorically say that international terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was already dead.
In its report, the FBI said that initial results of the laboratory test showed that the DNA samples provided by the Philippine government was related to Rahmat Abdhir.
Rahmat is the brother of Marwan, who was arrested in California in 2007 for conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material to terrorists, false statements, and providing material to Zulkifli bin Hir, said to be a senior member of Al Qaedaaffiliated Jemaah Islamiyah.
Rahmat, a computer engineer in San Jose, the third largest city in California, was also accused of providing at least $10,000, firearm accessories, radios, backpacks, knives, and other equipment to his brother, who had been living in the Philippines since 2003, according to a news report.
In its report, the FBI said that Rahmat and the DNA samples from the Philippine government shared the same parent.
The bureau said further testing and analysis would be done to fully identify the DNA sample that was provided to the FBI by the Philippine government.
It was Philippine authorities who said that Marwan was killed on January 25 in an exchange of gunfire with members of the elite Philippine National Police-Special Action Force.
According to local authorities, a finger from Marwan's right hand was cut for DNA sample. The PNP commandos were supposed to bring Marwan's remains but the latter's security aides were roused by the gunfire, which triggered the PNPSAF's day-long firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Marwan's remains have not yet been found, only a picture of his alleged dead body was shown to the media.
Marwan's body was allegedly buried in an unmarked grave next to Pusaka Mosque in Sitio Libutan nearest to Brgy. Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
But local officials recently denied that Marwan's body was buried in the said area.