A report from Radio Mindanao Network in Zamboanga quoted Abu Rami, Abu Sayyaf spokesman, that they would extend the original deadline from 3p.m. to 5p.m. on Friday if the German government will negotiate with them.
The Abu Sayyaf is asking for P250 million in ransom and the withdrawal of support of Germany from the US-led campaign against the Islamic State. Video of Abu Sayyaf leaders that circulated months back showed them pledging their allegiance to IS, but the military dismissed this as a mere bandwagon and only a show of support.
They have threatened that if their demands are not met, they would kill one of their German captives – Viktor Stefan Okonek, 71.
Okonek and Herite Dieter, 55, were seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Palawan last April while en route to Sabah. They were reportedly being held in Sulu.
On Thursday, the crisis management committee in Sulu has given the government security forces the go signal for the “law enforcement operations” for the rescue of the Germans and the arrest of the kidnappers. The attack would be launched once the location of the captives is determined.
“We cannot tell exactly if they (Abu Sayyaf) will go on with their plan of beheading the hostages. They are unpredictable. We could not read their minds, but I hope they will be enlightened by Allah whose teachings are to respect other people,” military’s’ Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said at Camp Aguinaldo.
“We will do our mandate whether there is an extension or not. We are ready,” he said.
Inquirer
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