Marwan’s death possibly confirmed with DNA of US-based brother

GLENDALE, Calif. – DNA testing has led the FBI’s Los Angeles office to believe that one of their most wanted fugitives Zulkifli Abdhir aka Marwan, was killed during the operation that left 44 SAF members dead in Maguindanao, but they have not fully confirmed it yet.

In a statement sent to Balitang America, Los Angeles FBI Assistant Director David Bowdich said the man killed could be Marwan, based on matching with DNA samples from a relative.

The statement added, “…preliminary results indicate that the DNA profiles obtained from the biological sample indicate a possible relationship with a known relative of Zulkifli Abdhir aka Marwan.”

“Although the results of the DNA examinations do not provide absolute identification, the results do support that the biological sample provided by Philippine authorities came from Marwan. Further testing and analysis will be conducted by laboratory examiners in an effort to fully identify the subject of DNA provided to the FBI,” the statement continued.

While Bowdich does not specify the source of the DNA used to match Marwan, the Philippine National Police says that the sample had come from Marwan’s US-based brother Rahmat.

Authorities believe Rahmat may have helped Marwan obtain materials used to make improvised explosive devices.

According to the 2007 indictment, Rahmat who lived in San Jose, California would send weapons, money and bomb making devices to the Philippines where Marwan was hiding.

Speaking in codewords, the brothers would talk about the ongoing unrest and deaths in the Philippines.

In September of 2010, Rahmat pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The FBI has also expressed condolences to SAF, describing it’s relationship with the Philippine National Police as among the strongest in the world.

You can contact Steve Angeles at steve_angeles@abs-cbn.com for more information.