Military to continue rescue effort for kidnap victims

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The military said ground forces will refocus its attention on the recovery of the remaining hostages held separately by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu after the 2016 elections.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said troops deployed to ensure security during the May 9 polls have realigned to its prime security mission against the Abu Sayyaf group.

But Tan clarified that other troops continued with the rescue efforts while elections were ongoing.

“It’s just that we have also dedicated some of our soldiers to help also secure the elections,” the military official said.

Tan said search and pursuit operation continued relentlessly to prevent the Abu Sayyaf group from harming the captives.

In April, the Abu Sayyaf released a video footage, giving warning to the families of hostages taken on Sept. 21, 2015 from Samal Island resort off Davao del Norte.

Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Maritess Flor are still being held captive by the militant group. The fourth captive, Canadian John Ridsdel, was beheaded last April 25 after failure to pay the P300-million ransom.

The Abu Sayyaf group, meanwhile, freed 12 Indonesian hostages following negotiations by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari.

Aside from the Samal captives, the Abu Sayyaf group is still holding Dutch birdwatcher Elwold Horns, four Malaysians and six Filipinos.