Kidnap victims Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, with Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor (inset photos) and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad have reportedly appeared on a video where they said members of the Abu Sayyaf Group wants P4 billion for their release. INSET PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFP EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND/FACEBOOK
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf is demanding P4 billion for the release of the four hostages it took from a marina on Samal Island on Sept. 21, a group monitoring terrorists worldwide said.
The demand was made in a video the bandits released on Tuesday, according to SITE Intelligence Group.
BACKSTORY: Filipina, 3 foreigners abducted on Samal Island
In the 87-second video that SITE obtained, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Filipino Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad were seen flanked by armed men in black garb. An ISIS flag was displayed behind them.
It was Ridsdel, 68, who first spoke of the P1 billion ransom for each of them.
“We’re being ransomed for each for P1 billion,” he said as one of the men held a machete above his neck.
“I appeal to the Canadian Prime Minister and the people of Canada, please pay this ransom as soon as possible, or our lives are in great danger,” he added.
Hall also made the same claim.
“I’m being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf for P1 billion. These people are serious and very treacherous. Take them seriously. Help us, get us out of here,” he said.
One of the gunmen standing behind the kidnap victims said the hostages would be killed if their demand was not met. His companions then chanted.
The Inquirer was awaiting reactions from Philippine authorities.
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