DNA RESULTS NEGATIVE FOR SUPPOSED DULMATIN REMAINS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 001464 SIPDIS STATE FOR S, D, S, S/CT, EAP CA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/18/2010 TAGS: CASC KJUS MCAP MOPS PINS PTER RP SUBJECT: DNA RESULTS NEGATIVE FOR SUPPOSED DULMATIN REMAINS REF: MANILA 426 (POSSIBLE REMAINS OF TERRORIST DULMATIN RECOVERED) Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: DNA testing by FBI laboratories confirmed on June 18 that a corpse unearthed on Tawi-Tawi Island in the course of an operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not the remains of Dulmatin, a prominent Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist who masterminded the Bali bombings in October 2002. Mission coordinated with Embassy Jakarta to release this information simultaneously to both the Philippine armed forces and police as well as Indonesian authorities. Mission has prepared press guidance to address expected media inquiries (see para 3). End Summary. ¶2. (C) On March 3, Mission LEGATT office received from the Philippine National Police (PNP) tissue samples from purported remains of Dulmatin found on the island of Tawi-Tawi. The remains were hand-carried back to the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for analysis. On May 29, representatives from the Philippine National Police and the Indonesian National Police traveled to the FBI laboratory, where the Indonesian Police provided verified DNA samples from Dulmatin's mother and brother to the FBI and Philippine National Police. ¶3. (C) The FBI performed mitochondrial DNA examinations and on June 18 informed Post LEGATT that test results from the Tawi-Tawi remains did not match DNA from Dulmatin's mother and brother. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador informed Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano of the results of the testing. Both expressed their disappointment, but reaffirmed their country's commitment to defeating terrorism and continuing the pursuit of individuals who threaten peace and prosperity in the Philippines. LEGATT also sent letters to Philippine authorities outlining the results. Ambassador offered additional briefings by LEGATT to police or armed forces staff if desired. ¶5. (U) Embassy's press guidance follows: DULMATIN DNA RESULTS Q: What is the latest on the corpse that might be Dulmatin's? What are the results of the DNA test? At the request of the AFP and the PNP along with the Indonesian National Police, the U.S. government assisted with the mitochondrial DNA examination and comparison of known and suspect samples in this matter. However, I would direct you to the PNP for any additional questions. We congratulate the AFP for their dedication in seeking out and finding international terrorists whose presence in the Southern Philippines is a source of ongoing violence and destruction that prevents citizens from moving forward toward peace, prosperity, and development. We have a strong partnership with the Philippine government and welcome the opportunity to assist Philippine authorities. (If pressed) DNA analysis is a service routinely provided by the FBI Laboratory to federal, state, local, and international partner law enforcement agencies that may require specialized services or requirements which are not otherwise available. KENNEY