DNA samples of Hapilon, Omar Maute sent to FBI — AFP official

The DNA samples of Marawi siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute have been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for testing, a military official said Friday.

Armed Forces public affairs office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo said they are hoping that the results will be out as soon as possible.

“Iyong DNA nai-submit na sa FBI and we are hoping that we would be able to get the result as soon as possible,” Arevalo said.

“Ipinadala sa FBI kasi sila [ang] may capability lalung-lalo na kung ang reward ay manggagaling sa bansang Amerika, for example. So ‘yung DNA testing sila rin ang tumutulong sa atin na gawin maibigay lang natin ‘yung samples,” he added.

Hapilon and Maute have a P10 million and P5 million reward, respectively, on their heads from the government while the US government, through the FBI, has offered a $5 million reward for Isnilon’s apprehension or conviction.

The two were killed in an early morning operation Monday.

Maute was shot in the head by a government sniper while Hapilon died of gunshot wounds to his chest.

President Rodrigo Duterte said Marawi City has been liberated from the terrorists following the confirmation of Hapilon and Omar’s deaths. This, even as sporadic fighting remains in some parts of Marawi.

Meanwhile, Arevalo expressed hope they will be able to find the body of Malaysian terrorist Dr. Mahmud Ahmed soon.

“Ongoing ang isinasagawang search base sa information na ibinigay sa atin.  Hopefully makita na natin yun para positively ma-identify natin at  pwede nating sabihin na 100 percent sure tayo na siya nga ‘yung napatay ng ating operating units,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News