Philippines: Abu Sayyaf Islamist militant has confirmed the killing of second Canadian hostage, Robert Hall, which they have had in custody since September 2015. The Canadian men were killed after their ransom demand by the Abu Sayaff of US$21.7 million for each hostage was not met, even though the ransom was later decreased to $6.3 million.
Hall was abducted from the Oceanview resort along with the second Canadian, former mining executive John Ridsdel, also beheaded in April this year and a Norwegian and a Filipino.
Robert Hall (L) and John Ridsdel (R) in an undated image from the militant video
The deadline for the ransom payment for Hall lapsed on Monday, and in a video later obtained by police officials, Hall was seen kneeling down in an orange shirt in front of a black Islamic State-style flag before he was killed in a jungle area.
His severed head was found outside a Roman Catholic cathedral in Sulu province's main Jolo town.
Speaking on the death of his citizen, Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau said;
Canada holds the terrorist group who took Mr. Hall hostage fully responsible for this cold-blooded and senseless murder. The government of Canada will not and cannot pay ransoms for hostages to terrorist groups, as doing so would endanger the lives of more Canadians.
We are more committed than ever to working with the government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice, however long it takes.
Philippines President Benigno Aquino in a statement said;
We strongly condemn the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Robert Hall, a Canadian national, after being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu for the past nine months.
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Robert Hall partner and a Filipino, Marites Flor are still being held by the militants, and in a video released by the militants, both hostages pleaded to the government to negotiate their release.
