PUTRAJAYA, Dec 19 — DNA sample from a severed head found in Jolo, Philippines matches slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then Ted Fen, the police said today according to The Star’s online portal.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that the police have received verbal confirmation from their counterparts in the Philippines.
“Our counterparts communicated the information to us verbally, and not in writing, that the head found in Jolo matches Bernard’s DNA,” he said, as quoted by the daily.
He added, “I want to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to Bernard’s family. We will take all necessary measures for the culprits to face the laws of our country.”
Sarawak-born Then and restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun were kidnapped on May 14 from a popular seaside seafood restaurant in Sandakan, on the east coast of Sabah.
Thien was released on November 8 but Then was allegedly held back when kidnappers demanded more ransom to be paid.
Then was reportedly beheaded on November 17 by an Abu Sayyaf group headed by Alhabsy Misaya and Idang Susukan.
A decapitated head was later found in Sulu, suspected to belong to Then.
The Philippine army also found a headless body believed to be Then on Tuesday.
Filipino authorities previously said they detained the militants responsible for Then’s abduction and beheading.
