Help in confirming Hapilon's death shows US is an ally, embassy says
Photo released by military sources on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 shows supposed remains of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Isnilon Hapilon. Image obtained by STAR/John Unson
MANILA, Philippines —The United States Embassy in Manila on Sunday said the US government’s assistance in identifying the remains of slain terror leader Isnilon Hapilon proves it remains a Philippine ally.
In a statement, the US Embassy cited how the Armed Forces of the Philippines requested an examination of Hapilon’s DNA sample.
The embassy added that a representative of its liaison office brought the DNA sample taken from Hapilon?'s body to Quantico in Virginia to verify the identity of the remains and confirm that Hapilon is dead.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the test results on Saturday, saying the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had confirmed that the remains were Hapilon's.
READ: DNA confirms Philippines' most wanted militant Isnilon Hapilon is dead
“This is yet another example of how the US Is supporting our friend, partner, and ally in the fight against terror,” the embassy said.
Hapilon had been touted as Islamic State emir for Southeast Asia and among FBI's most wanted terror suspects. He and another Marawi siege leader, Omar Maute, were killed in a military operation last Monday.
The US Embassy earlier praised the AFP for neutralizing Hapilon and Maute.
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