Philippines worried by reports of ‘ill’ Canadian hostage

From the Fulton County News (Jan 13): Philippines worried by reports of ‘ill’ Canadian hostage

Military says yet to confirm reports that Abu Sayyaf militants carrying 68-year-old mining firm chief as they evade troops

The Philippines’ military expressed concern Wednesday over reports about the deteriorating health of one of two Canadians abducted from a resort on a southern island four months ago.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said in a text message that reports of al-Qaeda-linked militants carrying the ailing John Ridsdel, 68, as they evade troops had yet to be confirmed.

“But such information would be concerning if true,” he said of the president of TVI Minerals Processing, Inc., a firm providing mineral mining services, with its main office in Pasig City but with business interests in southern Mindanao island.

Ridsdel was abducted from Samal island in September alongside fellow Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian resort owner Kjartan Sekkinstad and a Filipino female companion.

The Abu Sayyaf militant group has demanded a ransom of 1 billion Philippine pesos ($21 million) for the release of each of the foreigners.

A video released on YouTube in early November showed the four hostages flanked by armed men in black garb against what appears to be a Daesh flag.

The video appears to show Ridsdel appealing for the ransom to be paid.

“We’re being ransomed each for 1 billion pesos,” he said. “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.”

The Abu Sayyaf released several videos of the hostages late last year at undisclosed jungle locations.

Arrojado said troops are continuing to pursue the escaping militants to prevent them from slipping out of the operation zone.

Aside from the Norwegian and two Canadians, the Abu Sayyaf is currently holding other foreigners including a Dutch man kidnapped more than three years ago in Tawi-Tawi island and a former Italian priest seized last year in Zamboanga del Norte province.

Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf — armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles — has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent Islamic province in the Philippines.

It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.

http://www.newsfultoncounty.com/world/news/1324572-philippines-worried-by-reports-of-ill-canadian-hostage