According to the same source former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Commander Tahil Sali negotiated for the release of Sekkingstad whom the ASG earlier was asking for a P300 million ransom.
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A Norwegian taken hostage by a small, but brutal, group of Islamist militants in southern Philippines almost a year ago was released on Friday (Sept 16), the online news site Rappler reported on Saturday, citing military sources. The military said Saturday that relentless assaults forced the extremists to release the hostage.
“We are following the situation closely and are now working together with the Philippine authorities to bring Sekkingstad to safety”, Brende said in a statement.
Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf – armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles – has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.
Sekkingstad is the last Abu Sayyaf captive from the group of 4.
“They are no longer hungry for autonomy”.
On June 25, Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner went to see President Duterte during the release of kidnap victim Flor.
Sekkingstad was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from a resort on the island of Samal in September previous year alongside two Canadians and a Filipina. In June, the militants freed Maritess Flor, the Filipino hostage after receiving 20 million pesos as ransom.
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Government forces launched a major offensive against the militants after the beheadings of the Canadians sparked condemnations from then-Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
