19 February 2008

Suspected Dulmatin Cadaver Recovered For DNA Testing

      WESTMINCOM, AFP. Troops of the WESTMINCOM particularly the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) deployed in Tawi-Tawi with the joint effort of Military Intelligence operatives and support from PNP Tawi-Tawi, recovered a cadaver believed to be that of JI bomber Dulmatin yesterday afternoon at Bato-Bato, Tawi-Tawi. This was done in order to identify the body which was buried in a lot where the group of Dulmatin was monitored to have escaped during an encounter in the pursuit of the killers of Fr. Roda who also kidnapped Omar Taup, a local teacher on January 15, 2008, where the military and police had been conducting follow-on operations to recover the victim.

      The shallow grave was reported by the lot owner who found out earlier that somebody had buried a body in the area. With the help of Barangay officials in the area, it was reported to the nearest military station. Being aware of the place where DULMATIN was last seen, intelligence operatives in the area became curious and suspected that the body could have been that of the wanted JI bomber because of previous reports that DULMATIN was among the critically wounded in the recent encounter against the ASG in Lubbok, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi last January 31, 2008 where he allegedly suffered gunshot wounds on his right ribs, left ankle, shrapnel wound on his right eyebrow and right cheek.

      Initial inspection of the cadaver shows the said presence of the gunshot wounds but the WESTMINCOM is not convinced that these will confirm that the cadaver was indeed that of the JI DULMATIN. Samples were taken from the body for DNA testing by both the PNP and the US troops in order to establish the true identity of the body. Only after the results of the DNA tests will be available, could we conclude about the identity of the cadaver. The body maybe that of DULMATIN but we have to wait for the results of the DNA test for a conclusive report.

      With these development, LTGEN ALLAGA gave instructions to coordinate with the command chaplain who himself is an Imam to facilitate a decent muslim burial for the body. The relatives of the body upon identification will be informed as to their intent and disposition of the body. If it will be found out later that the body was really that of DULMATIN, then this will be a big blow on the ASG/JI organization and a great success of WESTMINCOM, AFP in its campaign against terror not only in the Philippines but in the whole South East Asian region as well.

      The COMWESTMINCOM also expressed his thanks to the local people who are helping the AFP locate these terrorists unmindful of the risk that they may encounter in these endeavors. He also encouraged others to cooperate and help the AFP and the PNP in their campaign against these terrorists so that Peace, Security and Development shall be attained in this part of the country. ESBJR