US: DNA test confirms top Filipino terror suspect is dead

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. government says DNA tests have confirmed the killing of one of the FBI's most-wanted terror suspects who the Philippine military reported was killed by Filipino troops in a final battle to quell an Islamic State group-linked siege in southern Marawi city.

U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Molly Koscina told The Associated Press on Saturday that DNA tests done in Virginia at the request of the Philippine military confirmed the death of Isnilon Hapilon. Washington has backed efforts by the Philippines, a treaty ally, to combat terrorism for years.