Military, police voice condolences over ASG beheading of Canadian

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—The military and police expressed their condolences to the Canadian government and kidnap victim John Ridsdel who was reported to have been beheaded by his Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) captors on Monday.

READ: AFP vows to bring ASG to justice after Canadian hostage beheaded

In a joint statement e-mailed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office on Tuesday, the police and the military said: “We extend our sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits.”

“There will be no let up in the determined efforts of the joint AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)-PNP task group’s intensive military and law enforcement operations to neutralize these lawless elements and thwart further threats to peace and security. The full force of the law will be used to bring these criminals to justice,” the short statement said.

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

READ: Head of ‘Abu Sayyaf captive’ dumped on Sulu street – police

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. RAM