POLICE forensic investigators are still trying to verify if the severed head and headless body found in separate places in Sulu belonged to Bernard Then, a Malaysian who was abducted from Sabah in May, the authorities said Thursday.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the severed human head was found at Sulu’s capital town of Jolo on Tuesday while the headless body was found in Indanan town, 10 kilometers from Jolo.
“Both human remains are now being examined by the Crime Laboratory of Police Regional Office-ARMM for identification,” mayor added.
“Pending official scientific findings, at this point we cannot conclusively establish the identity of these human remains to preclude undue speculation and inaccuracy in reporting,” he said.
On Wednesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the murder of Then and condemned the killing as “savage and barbaric act.”
“I, the government, and all Malaysians are shocked and sickened by the murder of our countryman Bernard Then and we condemn it in its strongest terms.”
“Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends.”
Then, a 39-year-old electrical engineer was kidnap along with Sabahan Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, at the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan on May 15.
The bandits, who were later identified as members of the Abu Sayyaf, brought their two captives to Sulu and demand P100-million ransom for their release.
A negotiation between the families of the two hostage victims and Malaysian authorities took place in Mindanao where a huge amount of ransom was handed down, prompting the bandits to release Thien earlier this month.
But Then remained in the custody of the ASG and insisted on a P100-million ransom for his liberty.
Then was reportedly executed by the ASG faction led by Indang Susukan in Indanan. Susukan’s group included sub-commander Alden Bagade, Angah Adji and Ahabsy Misaya.