Without any known foreign funding, the extremists have relied on ransom kidnappings, extortion and other acts of banditry, and some commanders have pledged loyalty to the Islamic State partly in the hope of obtaining funds.
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The Abu Sayaff who abducted Norwegian national Sekkingstad along with two foreigners and one Filipina past year, freed their remaining hostage last Saturday (Sept, 17) around 2 p.m.in Patikul Sulu.
“I am very happy to be alive and free”.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., a spokesman of Western Mindanao Command, said the Indonesians were abducted July 9 off Lahad Datu, Sabah and taken by Abu Sayyaf to Sulu, Philstar Global reported.
Freed Abu Sayyaf hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad relished his newfound freedom on Sunday, after he was presented by President Rodrigo Duterte to the media in Davao City, following the Norwegian national’s release on Saturday.
Both the Indonesian government and the Philippine military recognized the big role of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Saturday’s release of four kidnap victims – a Norwegian and three Indonesian fishermen. “His release from captivity capped months of quiet, patient but determined efforts with the assistance of all sectors”. At 6:21 p.m. however, another advisory said the presentation was cancelled.
The militant group spokesperson Abu Ramie said that it received a $638,000 ransom for Sekkingstad’s release.
Sekkingstad, held in jungle captivity since being kidnapped in September past year, was to stay overnight at the house of Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari in Sulu and then meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, said Jesus Dureza, who advises Duterte on peace talks with insurgent groups. It’s a handsome feeling. Sekkingstad left Sulu at 2.40pm for Davao City where he was brought to meet with Duterte personally while the three Indonesians were sent to Zamboanga City.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, said the military was hoping the remaining hostages would be freed and rescued as the bandits have split into smaller groups, and numerous hostages were bring held by smaller groups.
The Norwegian government said the release of Sekkingstad was a “positive development”.
In his brief statement, Sekkingstad thanked the President, Dureza, and Misuari, as well as Norwegian officials and his families in the Philippines and Norway.
Indonesian Defense Minister Ryanmizard Ryancudu told reporters here, on Sunday night, that they were grateful for the help extended by the MNLF to secure their people safely from the Abu Sayyaf.
The Philippines’ presidential palace has also insisted that the government is unwavering in its refusal to give in to the militant group’s demands, despite reports claiming ransoms were paid.
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He sent thousands of troops to Abu Sayyaf strongholds in the southern islands of Jolo and Basilan in an assault that had killed 15 soldiers and 32 militants according to the military.
