Police, military limit information on Samal hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The fate of the three foreigners and a Filipino woman taken from Samal island off Davao continued to remain uncertain as the police and military started to limit sharing information to the public.

Ground military commanders on Friday explained that they need to put a boundary so as not to compromise the safety of the victims. They assured the public of continuous operations against the Abu Sayyaf group, believed to be holding the four victims, along with other hostages.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri said they have no proof of life of Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.

The victims were abducted last Sept. 21, 2015 in Samal Island off Davao del Norte by gunmen of the Abu Sayyaf group and reportedly held in Sulu for almost five months.  

Iriberri said they have information but declined to discuss further, citing the security of the victims.

“We have information, but we cannot disclose it with you as to what are the information pertaining to the kidnap victims because it might compromise their safety,” Iriberri told the press during his visit here last week.

“Mas maganda siguro huwag na natin i-confirm or i-deny ang location ng mga kidnap victims because it might compromise also our operations and also the safety and security of the kidnap victims,” he added.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ricardo Marquez also confirmed that they have not received any report regarding the kidnap victims.

“We have not received correspondence demand for the hostages,” Marquez said Wednesday.

Both officials maintained that the government strictly adheres with the no ransom policy.

“The guidance there is very clear no ransom policy must be implemented. So there must be no negotiation, especially about ransom,” Iriberri said.