JAKARTA, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian authorities on Monday demanded completion of DNA examination over remains of the Philippines' church bombers to determine their identification as joint investigation into the case is underway in the latter country.
Indonesia Police Headquarters Spokesperson Dedy Prasetyo said that unless correct DNA data on the bombers is resulted from the joint examination, it cannot be concluded those bombers were originated from Indonesia.
The Philippines Home Affairs Minister Eduardo Ano said on Feb. 1 that bombers of the church in Jolo Island were Indonesian husband and wife.
"The DNA has yet to be found. Our team is still there," Prasetyo said in his office.
Indonesia has sent personnel from police's anti-terror squad of Densus 88, Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BIN), government's Anti-terror Desk (BNPT) and foreign affairs ministry to join their Philippines counterparts to carry out the joint investigation into the case, he added.
Cited the latest information he obtained related to the investigation, Prasetyo said that the joint investigators are facing difficulties to retrieve the DNA tissue as remains of the two bombers were severely broken apart into pieces due to high explosive blast.
Matching the DNA with apparent relatives of the DNA owners is another problem that could face the investigation, he said.
"The investigation is still underway at present," he added.
Indonesian foreign minister stated earlier that Indonesia is still expecting results of the investigation carried out entirely in the Philippines.
The bombing in the church located in stronghold area of the Philippines' radical group Abu Sayyaf has claimed 22 lives, reports said.
Five members of Abu Sayyaf group have surrendered themselves to local authorities after the attack as investigation against them is progressing at the moment.
