DNA samples from Bernard Then's family to be sent to Philippines

KOTA KINABALU: Police are in the process of collecting DNA samples from Bernard Then’s family for a DNA test following the discovery of human remains in southern Philippines. Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the samples will be handed over to the Philippine authorities as soon as possible so that the identity of the remains found in the Sulu province can be confirmed.

It was stated that a human head was recovered at Marina Street, Barangay Walled City in Jolo on Tuesday while a headless body was dug out from Barangay Kagay in Indanan, 30km away from where the head was found.

Khalid said the DNA testing will be made by the Philippine authorities. Khalid added that he cannot confirm if the remains found were that of Then.


"We are in communication with our counterparts, we are working closely with them," he said adding that he will also be meeting up with his counterpart from the Philippine National Police Director General Ricardo Marquez soon.

Khalid said he plans to discuss ways to take strong action against cross border criminals involved in kidnappings and terrorism activities.

Then, an electrical engineer from Sarawak, and a restaurant owner Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, were kidnapped from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan on May 14.

Thien was released on Nov 8 and escorted back to Sandakan the following day. Khalid was here to present Pingat Kedaulatan Negara to 155 members of the Special Branch who were involved in Ops Daulat, the operation that was launched following the intrusion by followers of the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultanate in Lahad Datu in 2013.

• Severed head found in sack in Jolo