Military: No info yet on alleged execution of an Abu Sayyaf captive

JOLO, SULU — A military official could not confirm a report on the alleged execution of one of the captives of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

 

The report came as the terror group's ultimatum, demanding ransom for each captive, lapsed on Monday. 

 

A security source here disclosed information about the execution filtered from the ground as troops continued to inch closer to the ASG camp for the rescue of the captives. 

 

The execution was allegedly conducted in the mountains of Patikul town. There were no immediate details on who among the hostages was harmed by the Abu Sayyaf.

 

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), however, said they have no information yet on the fate of the hostages and assured the public that they are intensifying military operations.

 

RELATED: Military intensifies search for Samal kidnap victims

 

The ASG gave until 3 p.m. on Monday for the families of the four hostages taken from a Samal Island resort off Davao province to comply with the P300 million ransom for each of the captives.

 

The captives were Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipino woman Marites Flor.

 

Two MG-520 attack helicopters were hovering until late in the afternoon over the areas of Patikul to serve as air support for the troops on the ground.

 

Acting Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda arrived here Monday morning to assess the ongoing military operation.

 

He left later in the afternoon on board an Air Force C-295 transport plane without information on the fate of the victims.

 

“The leadership is trying to make a significant move,” Tan said.

 

The military official appealed for understanding for the troops to do its job and continue on with its projected focused military operation in the area.

 

“But as to the kidnap victims we do not have details yet as what we can share yet. But it will come in the most opportune time,” Tan said.

 

Tan said they are no yet at liberty to discuss details about the ongoing operations but assured their main focus is to recover the kidnap victims.