TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Philippine police said that there are still at least 11 people being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf militant group. The announcement came after the group released two German hostages last Friday.
Lieutenant-General Rustico Guerrero, head of the military's Western Mindanao Command, admitted that authorities had not found the rest of the hostages, which included two Europeans, a Malaysian and a Chinese national. Seven of the other hostages are Filipinos, as confirmed by the Lt. General.
Stefan Okonek and Henrike Dielen were released Friday night after being held hostage for nearly six months. They are now currently placed in the German embassy in Manila.The two were released after payment of a 250 million Peso ransom, according to Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Abu Rami.
Philippine military official Lieutenant Colonel Cabunoc described Rami’s as a “propaganda”. "Of course, [Rami] can always say that. As far as I know, there was no ransom paid, at least not from our side, because we don't negotiate with terrorists," Cabunoc said.
ASIAONE | RAJU FEBRIAN