By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) – The Philippines president has ordered all-out effort to rescue three foreigners and a Filipino woman kidnapped in the country’s south by a Daesh-linked group, as the midnight Monday deadline for their ransom to be paid approaches.
Benigno Aquino III’s order was announced by top presidential, army and police officials in press briefings with Manila-based reporters Monday after a closed-door meeting with top security officials.
“Maximum efforts are being exerted by a joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police task group to effect the rescue of four hostages who were kidnapped on Samal Island last September 21, 2016 after the Abu Sayyaf announced the possible beheading of one of its hostages,” police spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said.
Sonny Coloma — undersecretary at the office of the press secretary — meanwhile, said Aquino has directed military Chief Glorioso Miranda and police Chief Ricardo Marquez to conduct appropriate law enforcement operations to facilitate the rescue.
GMA news quoted AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla as saying Monday that although forces were in pursuit, details could not be given “in the interest of the safety of the victims”.
The group has demanded 300 million pesos ($6 million) each for Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marites Flor after they were taken by armed men from the Oceanview Resort on Samal.
Both police and army have estimated 400 Abu Sayyaf members and supporters were involved in the kidnapping.
The Abu Sayyaf has said it will behead one of the hostages if ransom demands are not met till April 26.
Padilla said concerned embassies are being updated about the situation.
“Our foreign affairs department is continuously in touch with all these foreign embassies and their officials and our department of foreign affairs is providing them [with] updates on efforts being conducted by the government.”
The Philippine government has said it has a no ransom policy aimed at preventing a “kidnap industry” from emerging in the country.
Padilla said that police received reports two days ago that the hostages were still alive.
The Abu Sayyaf – which has reportedly pledged allegiance to Daesh – is also holding a Dutch man kidnapped more than three years ago in Tawi-Tawi and a former Italian priest seized last year in Zamboanga del Norte.
Since 1991, the group – armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles – has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent “Islamic province” in the Philippines.
It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.
