Philippines: Abu Sayyaf militants release video threatening to kill 3 hostages
Abu Sayyaf militants threaten to kill three hostages. Image via Twitter
4th May 2016
MILITANTS in the Philippines have released a video threatening to kill three hostages in their captivity, more than a week after beheading a Canadian man.
The hostages, from Canada, Norway, and the Philippines, were seen pleading for their lives in a video circulated by the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi media.
Six militants stood around the hostages, who were on the ground, heavily armed with weapons during the video, which appears to have been filmed in the jungle.
The captives implored the Canadian and Philippine governments to help them by heeding the militant group’s demands.
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad warned that if the demand was not met, “we will be executed like our friend John”.
Abu Sayyaf militants killed Canadian John Ridsdel on April 25 after failing to secure a ransom of 300 million pesos (US$6.3 million).
His severed head was found dumped in Barangay Walled City on Jolo Island in the Sulu province, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
According to a transcript provided by Reuters, Canadian hostage Robert Hall addressed the Canadian government, saying: “I’m told to tell you to meet the demand. I don’t know what you’re doing, but you’re not doing anything for us.
“John has been sacrificed, his family has been decimated, and I’m not sure why or what you’re waiting for.”
Filipino captive Marites Flor implored several local officials, prominent personalities, and presidential candidates to help, “because we want to be freed alive”.
A masked militant speaks directly to the Canadian and Philippine governments, warning them that the three remaining hostages will be killed if they “procrastinate once again”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the brutal killing of Ridsdel, but vowed not to give in to the kidnappers’ ransom demand.
The Filipino military and police launched an offensive against the militants following the beheading. They said in a statement: “The full force of the law will be used to bring to bring these criminals to justice.”
Additional reporting by Associated Press
