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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday belies claims by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that ransom was paid to facilitate the release of the German couple late Friday night.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP public affairs office chief, said that this is just "propaganda".
"It's just a claim," he added.
Cabunoc stated that the military and the government do not tolerate such acts.
Earlier, ASG spokesperson Abu Ramin claimed that ransom was paid to facilitate the safe release of German nationals Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71 and Henrike Dielen, 55 in Patikul town, Sulu 8:50 p.m. Friday.
The two are now undergoing debriefing at the German Embassy.
The AFP public affairs office chief also said ASG claims should not be readily accepted.
He attributes the release of the German couple to the intense pressure brought about by the military.
For the past few days, the AFP has deployed special forces, K-9 units, high-trained snipers and regular units to cordon off the bandits.
However, the standing order of AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang was that the hostages be recovered unharmed and that no civilian casualties be incurred should an offensive be mounted against the ASG.
He added that the pressure brought about by the military eventually forced the brigands to release the Germans.
As of this writing, pursuit operations against the bandit group is ongoing, he added. (PNA)
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