Abu Sayyaf bandits released yesterday their Samal island captive, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad, reportedly after payment of ransom in Sulu.
Sekkingstad was released four days before he would have spent his first year in captivity. He was taken by the bandits from a Samal island resort he managed in Davao del Norte on September 21 last year, along with two Canadians and a Filipina.
Sekkingstad's release was confirmed last night by Presidential adviser Jesus Dureza, which he said took place in Patikul, Sulu at around 2 p.m. yesterday.
The Norwegian was supposed to be flown to Davao City and presented to President Duterte yesterday but was later cancelled due to bad weather. "I will fly him out of Jolo tomorrow morning," Dureza said.
'Thank you to President Duterte' are the first words the Norwegian said when Dureza spoke to him on the phone.
Earlier, intelligence unit said that Sekkingstad was released at about 3:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu.
There were conflicting reports on whether a ransom was paid, with one account putting in at P30 million and another at P100 million. The bandits originally demanded P300 million for the release of each of the captives.
Dureza confirms that a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander identified as Tahil Sali facilitated the release of Sekkingstad.
According to Dureza, Sekkingstad is now staying overnight at the place of MNLF chairman Nur Misuari in Barangay Kagay who volunteered to host his stay due to heavy rains and nightfall.
There was no immediate information on the health condition of the victim, who was seized along with Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Marites Flor on the night of Sept. 21 last year.
Ridsel and Hall were beheaded last April 25 and June 13 respectively. Flor on the other hand was freed last June 24 unharmed.
The military is still trying to rescue the remaining 15 foreign hostages including a Dutch national, seven Indonesians, and five Malaysians. The terror group also has seven Filipino hostages.
The military was also checking if three Malaysians abducted last Sept. 10 off Pom Pom, Sempurnah, Sabal were also brought to Sulu.
Source: Philippine Star
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...