Canadian’s killing an ‘act against humanity’ – ARMM governor

Governor Mujiv Hataman (left), of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, condemned as an ‘act against humanity’ the beheading by Abu Sayyaf bandits of Canadian John Ridsdel. INQUIRER FILES

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Haraman on Tuesday condemned the killing of Canadian kidnap victim John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.

“This is an act against humanity,” Hataman said in a statement released here.

“As a nation, we have to rise against this horrendous act of terrorism. Our faith and our humanity demand that we collectively and strongly condemn this act of terrorism,” he added.

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Hataman said the beheading was tragic and as peace-loving Muslims of Mindanao, as Filipinos tired of senseless deaths and violence, “we stand against this.”

He also condoled with the family of Ridsdel. “Our thoughts are with you in this dark moment of sorrow and grief,” he said.

“Like you, we also hope that the reign of terror on the island provinces of Mindanao will face its end the soonest as we pray that justice is done,” Hataman added.

Ridsdel along with fellow Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Flipina Marites Flor were kidnapped from the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte in September last year.

The bandits uploaded a video of the victims, warning the government they will be beheaded if the P300-million ransom demand for each hostage remained ignored by April 25.

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