Samal Island kidnap-victims appeal for payment of Php 4-B ransom

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Samal Island kidnap-victims appeal for payment of Php 4-B ransom

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday declined to comment on the latest video showing Abu Sayyaf Group bandits threatening their Samal Island captives with death if their Php 4-billion ransom demand is not met.

“The AFP has made a decision not to comment,” AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said.

Padilla said the move was "in order not to dignify the latest development."

In the video, which circulates in the Internet, Canadian John Ridsel urged the Canadian government to pay the ransom demand of the ASGs, who were shown heavily-armed behind the hostages, with one aiming a bolo at the hostages.

“We’re being ransomed for each for Php1 billion. I appeal to the Canadian Prime Minister and the people of Canada, please pay this ransom as soon as possible or our lives are in great danger,” Ridsdel said.

His words were reiterated by fellow Canadian, Robert Hall, who stressed that he was being held hostage by the ASGs for Php 1-billion.

"These people are serious and very treacherous. Take them seriously. Help us, get us out of here,” he added.

While Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Holiday Oceanview Resort manager, said: “I’m okay for now. I'm hostaged for Php1 billion. Please, please pay this group. Take them seriously because they are dangerous, they are serious in their demands.”

The fourth hostage, Marites Flor, Hall's girlfriend, did not speak.

It was not clear when and where the video was shot although a flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, was shown.

ASG bandits abducted the four last Sept. 21 at Oceanwiew Resort in Samal Island.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=823165