Troops sent to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages

Military and police officers vow to observe no ransom policy

Ajoint military and police ground troops team was sent to rescue two Canadians, one Norwegian, and a Filipino in Sulu, southern Philippines, ahead of the April 25 deadline given by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen who demanded P1.2 billion (Dh95 million) for their release.

That amount was lower than the P4 billion they had asked for in November 2015, a month after the four were kidnapped from an upscale resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte, on September 21, 2015, sources said.

“We do not follow deadline[s]. As long as we get the new information [on their whereabouts], the troops will hit them,” said Maj. Filemon Tan junior, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command.

Military spokesperson Col. Restitute Padilla and Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the government’s no ransom policy will be followed.

He added the rescue operation would ensure the safety of the kidnap victims.

The troops were sent to TawiTawi and Basilan, strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf Group, other sources said. The rescue operation aimed at freeing Norweigian Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56; Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, 50; and Hall’s Filipina partner, Marites Flor. They were kidnapped from the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte last year.

Other Abu Sayyaf victims include 14 Indonesians and four Malaysians who were seized off southern Philippines and taken to Sulu weeks ago.