Remains of German woman to be flown to Manila

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The remains of the German woman killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits arrived here from Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, a military official reported yesterday.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the remains believed to be that of Sabina Wetch (earlier identified as Sabine Merz), 59, were transported from Tawi-Tawi by Navy patrol boat to undergo autopsy by police Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO).

“However, due to the absence of the forensic doctor the remains will be transported to Manila for autopsy and subsequent turnover to the German embassy,” Tan said.

Wetch’s remains were recovered Sunday aboard their yacht Rockall that was found drifting off Laparan Island, Pangutaran town, Sulu.

Her companion Juergen Kantner, 70, was confirmed to be in the custody of the Abu Sayyaf group under Muamar Askali alias Abu Rami.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen intercepted the yacht last Saturday in the vicinity of Tanjong Luuk Pisuk, Sabah.

Tan said troops in Sulu were tracking down the possible whereabouts of Kantner and the bandits after Askali confirmed they have the German in their custody.

Col. Custodio Parcon, 2nd Marine Brigade chief based in Tawi-Tawi, said military units were also scouring the islands to track down the suspects.