Remains of suicide bomber in Sulu up for DNA tests

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities will send samples from the retrieved body parts of the suicide bomber in Sulu for DNA tests.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the remains would be sent to the Philippine National Police-Scene of Crime Operation (PNP-SOCO).

“DNA testing will be done,” he told INQUIRER.net on Monday.

Sobejana identified Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Sawadjaan as the mastermind of the suicide bombing, which was carried by the suspect outside a military detachment in Indanan, Sulu, but fortunately failed to inflict other casualties.

The Caucasian-looking militant, who wore an abaya, an outer garment worn by Muslim women, tried to enter a military detachment on Sunday afternoon but was stopped by security forces.

Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters that the suspect was confirmed to be female based on the recovered body parts, but said its nationality has yet to be determined.

“‘Yung ibang parte ng katawan after the post-blast investigation ay na-recover and it points to the direction na conclusive na ito ay babae,” he said.

(The body parts recovered after the explosion points to the conclusion that the suspect is female.)

Sunday’s suicide attack is the fourth case in the Philippines since 2018. The two incidents this year were carried out also in Sulu, which killed dozens. The first known suicide attack was in Lamitan, Basilan, which left 10 people dead.

“Merong intention talaga na gamitin nila ang suicide bombing as a mode of terrorist attack. There are other means but pinakikita nito na nagagawa nila ito so hindi malayo na pwedeng magkaroon ulit,” Arevalo said.

(There is really an intention to use suicide bombing as a mode of terrorist attack. There are other means but they want to show that have done this before and it could happen again.)

“Kailangan natin maging mas mapagmatyag at magtulungan,” he added.

(That’s why we have to stay vigilant and collaborate with one another.)
/kga