Military and police operatives are now intensifying their
efforts to rescue the four hostages who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group
(ASG) bandits in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte last
September 21.
This was stressed in a joint statement delivered by the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP)
Monday.
"Maximum efforts are being exerted by a joint AFP-PNP
task group to effect the rescue of four hostages who were kidnapped in Samal Island
An estimated 400 Abu Sayyaf members and supporters are
reportedly involved in the abduction.
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed acting AFP
chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and PNP head Director General Ricardo Marquez
to conduct appropriate military and law enforcement operations to effect the
rescue of the hostages.
"The local authorities are instructed to extend
cooperation to the joint task group and ensure the safety of citizens in the
affected communities," Mayor said.
ASG bandits kidnapped Canadians John Ridsel, Robert Hall,
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingtad and Filipina Mariter Flor, Hall's girlfriend, on
the evening of Sept. 21 at the Holiday Oceanview Resort.
The captives were reportedly taken to ASG enclaves in Sulu.
The brigands are demanding a Php1-billion from each of the
three foreign captives and threatening to kill them if the ransom is not paid.
The ASG earlier set an April 8 deadline for the ransom but
this was moved to April 25.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla declined to
give details on the ongoing operations to safeguard the lives of the hostages
and operating troops.
However, information on the ground indicate that the four
hostages are still in good condition as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879405
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