SAF chief: Marwan's death a 'morale boost' for troopers

The death of international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, as confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serves to boost the morale of troopers, newly-installed Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) director Chief. Supt. Moro Virgilio Lazo said on Thursday.

The confirmation by the United States erased doubts over the supposed death of the high-value target, Lazo said in an interview with GMA News Online.


"We were right all along na nakuha si Marwan," he said. "This confirmation, as a whole, will heighten the morale of the troops."

He added: "Alam mo, kung wala sanang namatay [na troopers], 100 percent accomplished na sana tayo."

Although he was one of three high-value targets during a SAF operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Marawa was the main objective of Philippine authorities.

The January 25 assault turned into an hours-long firefight between the elite police force and members of the MILF, its splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other private armed groups.

Sixty-seven people died in the Mamasapano clash, including 44 SAF officers, 18 MILF members, and five civilians.


On Wednesday, the FBI confirmed Marwan’s death, weeks after it announced that the DNA sample it received from Philippine authorities showed it came from the wanted terrorist.

According to a Reuter's report, David Bowdich, assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field office said the bureau has now taken bin Hir off its Most Wanted Terrorist list and thanked the Philippine police.

"Once again, the men and women of the FBI express sincere condolences to the brave officers of the Special Action Force who lost their lives while attempting to apprehend this dangerous fugitive," Bowdich said. – VS, GMA News