Troops to intensify drive vs Abu Sayyaf

MANILA - Malacañang has vowed to intensify the government’s campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group after the release of two German nationals.

“With the release from captivity of the two German nationals, our security forces will continue efforts to stem the tide of criminality perpetrated by bandit elements,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“Kasunod ng pagligtas ng mga binihag na dalawang mamamayang Aleman, ipagpapatuloy ng mga puwersang pang seguridad ang pagtugis at pagsabat sa mga grupong bandido.”

Coloma did not confirm if ransom was paid for the release of the Germans, saying that the Palace was still trying to determine how the two foreign nationals were freed.

But he added, “Walang pagbabago sa patakarang ‘no ransom’ ng pamahalaan.”

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino III was glad that the foreign hostages were release.

“Natuwa naman po ang Pangulo sa magandang balita na na-release ang mga German hostages,” she said.

“As we have said in the past, the primary concern is the safety of the hostages and the President was happy to receive the news yesterday when he was informed that the two German hostages have already been recovered at around 9:00 p.m. last night,” she added.

Asked about the payment of ransom for the release of the hostages, Valte said she could not confirm that information as she echoed what Coloma has said on the no ransom policy of the government.

The Abu Sayyaf group released Stefan Okonek, 71, and Henrite Dielen, in her 50s, on Friday, the day the group had threatened to kill one of them. Huge amount of ransom was reportedly paid for the release of the two Germans.

The bandits had demanded ransom and for Germany to stop supporting US-led air strikes in Syria and Iraq. They threatened to kill Okonek on Friday if their demands were not met.

The Germans were seized by the ASG in April when their yacht broke down near the southern island of Palawan en route to Sabah in eastern Malaysia.