Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that a severed head found last month in Jolo, Philippines, is that of Bernard Then who was kidnapped in Sandakan, Sabah in May.

He said police from the Philippines had confirmed this.

"They conveyed this to us verbally, not in writing, that the DNA of that head matches that of Then," he told reporters after being conferred with an honorary doctorate by Limkokwing University in Putrajaya today.

While expressing condolences to Then's family, Khalid said the police are working closely with the Attorney-General's Chambers to extradite the culprits.

"We have made applications for extradiction... at least two of them will be brought back here. We have to go through the process of law.

"Definitely I want them (here) tomorrow but we have to go through the process of law," he added.

Then was reportedly beheaded in the Southern Philippines last month. He was kidnapped by militants at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan.

Make way for VIP cars

Meanwhile, Khalid warned that the public should not obstruct traffic police escorting vehicles carrying VIPs.

"Owing to security reasons, the police only escort VIPs.

"I advise the public (to make way); we could take action by three laws, namely obstructing officers, Police Act, and Land Transport Act."

Khalid was asked to comment on a post by a roaduser who said he did not give way to police-escorted VIP car, which had gone viral.