Canada on Wednesday expressed serious concern over a threat by the Abu Sayyaf to behead two Canadian hostages if the $13-million ransom in exchange for their release is not paid by April 25.
“We, obviously as a government, we are very, very concerned about the situation of our nationals. Their safety and security are our primary concern,” Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder told journalists.
The latest video released by Abu Sayyaf gunmen, who are holding John Ridsdel and Robert Hall in Mindanao, are demanding $6.5 million or about P300 million for each hostage – the largest ransom the extremist group has ever asked for in years. The figure was reduced from the original P1 billion being demanded by the group for each hostage last year.
Ridsel and Hall were abducted by the group on Sept. 21, 2015 on the resort island of Samal in the province of Davao del Norte. Also held captive are Filipina Marites Flor, said to be Hall’s partner, and Norweigian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the manager of the Ocean View Samal Resort. A P300-million ransom is also being demanded for Sekkingstad’s freedom.
Reeder would not provide specific details about the situation or current efforts being made to secure the freedom of the two Canadians, but said “we are closely engaged with the government of the Philippines on this.”
“Our thoughts are with the families. It's a family-led initiative in terms of trying to support the families in these difficult times and I can't really say too much more,” Reeder said.
The kidnappings emphasize the years-long problem on peace and security in parts of Mindanao, a region rich in natural resources, but has been dogged by decades-long Moro insurgencies, widespread poverty, lawlessness, unemployment and has tuned into a haven for local and foreign terrorist groups.
“We are doing our best for their safety and security and we hope that they'll be safe and sound and release very soon,” Reeder said.
The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for numerous terror attacks around the country, several kidnappings of foreigners and is notorious for beheading its captives if their demand for ransom is not met, is listed as a terrorist organization by the Philippines and the United States.
Philippines-US counter-terrorism cooperation has successfully led to the killing of key local terrorists from the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao, but the group continues to thrive even as its members have dwindled in recent years.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/563382/news/nation/canada-very-concerned-about-abu-sayyaf-threat-to-behead-canadian-hostages
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