The military is verifying a reported threat by the Abu Sayyaf Group that it will behead a 70-year-old captive in Sulu.
It said it is checking reported video footage posted on social media issuing an ultimatum to the German government to pay ransom for the safe release of Juergen Kantner.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said they have yet to see the supposed footage.
Tan said they still have no idea when the video was taken and when it was released by the Abu Sayyaf.
In its brief video clip, Abu Sayyaf militants wearing masks demanded $10 million for Kantner's safe release.
“Failure to pay the ransom will cause the beheading of this German,” one of the gunmen supposedly said.
But the military warned the Abu Sayyaf Group that it will be held responsible if it harms the hostage.
“We maintain that the life of the victim is at the hands of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf group). Whatever happened, it’s their responsibility,” Tan said.
However, Tan said the military is exerting all efforts to recover Kantner and the rest of the hostages still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf group.
Kantner was snatched by the Abu Sayyaf early last November from his private yacht that near Tanjong Luuk Pisuk, Sabah.
The Abu Sayyaf killed Kantner's partner Sabina Merz, 50, aboard their yacht.
Aside from Kantner, the Abu Sayyaf Group is also holding 26 other captives believed to be hidden away in the mountains.
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