The authorities in the Philippines have confirmed that a headless body found in the southern island of Jolo to be that of slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then Ted Fen, based on a DNA test.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police were verbally informed on the matter recently and were still waiting for a written report from the Philippine authorities.

"The DNA test on the headless body found in Jolo matched the severed head found on Dec 19.

"I have informed the matter to the family members and we are ready to help repatriate Then's remains," he told reporters after attending the handing-over of duties ceremony of the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) director, here, today.

Khalid said the victim's family did not want the remains to be brought home as they wanted to go to the Philippines for the cremation of the remains and bring the ashes back to Malaysia for burial.

Khalid said he respected the family's request and the police would help in managing the remains.

On Dec 15, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said a Philippine security team had found a headless body, believed to be that of Then, of Sarawak.

The victim was kidnapped by a group of armed men at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah on May 14, together with restaurant manager, Thein Nyuk Fun, 50, who was released on Nov 8.

However, Then, 39, was beheaded at an isolated location in Jolo island on Nov 11.