Concerned about hostages’ safety

Trudeau has also expressed concern over the recent kidnapping of three foreigners, including two Canadians, and a Filipina by the Abu Sayyaf.

“Obviously, I am concerned with the situation and have been briefed on the situation, and certainly hope for a peaceful resolution,” Trudeau said in a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation International Media Center last Thursday.

The Canadian leader did not elaborate on what he meant about “peaceful resolution.”

Trudeau, however, vowed to work with other leaders to combat terrorism in the wake of the attacks in Paris last week that killed 129 people.

“Obviously, when leaders gather within a week of such a terrible and tragic attack in Paris, it becomes a topic of conversation and we all came together to reassert our commitment to work together to fight extremism and terrorism,” Trudeau said.

“And I was pleased to see so many Muslim leaders speak up against this extremism that isn’t a reflection of Islam,” he added.

Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall along with Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Maritess Flor were abducted by about 20 armed men at the Ocean View Resort in Samal Island off Davao Oriental last Sept. 21.

The Abu Sayyaf is demanding a P4-billion ransom for the release of the victims.

An 87-second video showing the hostages with their captors has been uploaded online but security officials have yet to comment on whether it was authentic.