Headless body found in Sulu belongs to Canadian? Military verifying

OUTRAGE Canadians John Ridsdel (right) and Robert Hall are shown in this video grab sent earlier by the Abu Sayyaf to media outlets. MILITANT VIDEO VIA AP VIDEO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Military authorities here on Wednesday said a headless cadaver had been recovered in Sulu.

Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, did not give specifics as to where and when the headless body had been found but he said it belonged to a man.

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

“Troops are still verifying if the body was that of John Ridsdel. Will update as data becomes available,” he said in a text message.

Ridsdel, a Canadian national and a former mining executive, was beheaded by the bandit group after his family failed to raise the P300-million ransom they wanted for his freedom. His severed head was found in Jolo town.

READ: Canada PM Trudeau says no to ransoms after Ridsdel beheading

The beheaded victim was among four hostages taken by the Abu Sayyaf from the Holiday Oceanview Resort and marina on Samal Island, Daval del Norte last September 21.

The other hostages were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipino Marites Flor. RAM