© Provided by GMA News Online
The Armed Forces of the Philippines remains firm against negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf group for the release of German nations who were abducted in Sulu.
"[Sinusunod natin ang] policy ng ating pamahalaan... at ito ay ang 'no negotiations' with any terrorists or any criminal group," AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said in a phone-patch interview on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas."
He said this less than an hour before the members of the bandit group's deadline to execute one of two German hostages if the government failed not give in to their demands.
Earlier, the bandit group threatened to kill one of the two hostages at 3 p.m. on Friday. The two are being held in a remote place on the southern island of Jolo.
Aside from demanding a P250-million ransom, the group also wanted Germany to stop supporting US-led air strikes against members of Islamic Sate of Iraq and Syria.
Earlier on Friday, however, the group said it will extend the afternoon execution deadline by two hoursif they receive word that ransom will be paid.
Meanwhile, Cabunoc assured the public that ground commanders are aware of the group's location.
"Mayroong nagpapaabot sa ating ground commanders kung saan sila, pero hindi natin masabi kung saan ang exact location o kung saang barangay sila, anong specific bundok o terrain na kanilang kinalalagyan," he said.
Stefan Victor Okonek, 71, and Herike Diesen, 55, were taken by the bandits while on board their yacht in waters between Palawan and Sabah last April. — Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News
0 comments: