Duterte apologizes to Germany

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday apologized to Germany for the Philippine government’s failure to rescue Juergen Gustav Kantner, the German kidnap victim who was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf last Sunday.

“I am very sorry that the hostage, a national of your country, has been beheaded. I sympathize with the family, I commiserate with the German people,” the president told reporters in an interview Tuesday in Malacañang.

“I said we tried. There’s a massive operation going on and as I have just announced to you, we are beginning to use the air assets,” he added.

Duterte maintained that his administration did its best to save the life of Kantner

“I would like to say something to the family and to the government that we really tried our best. We have been there, the military operation has been going on for some time already and but we have failed and so that has to be admitted,” the president said.  

“There’s nothing wrong in admitting a failure but it’s a matter of policy that we do not surrender to the demands of paying ransom,” he added. 

Malacañang also condemned the execution of Kantner and vowed to curb the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf.

“The Palace condemns this despicable crime, and the president has bound himself in principle that these groups (should be) neutralized,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“We reiterate our deepest condolences to the German people and to the family of Mr. Kantner, and not only we do empathize but we sympathize with them. However, I’m sure the president’s commitment is to ensure that these things will be addressed and curtailed in the soonest possible manner,” he added.

Abella said Duterte was “deeply affected” by the beheading.