Abu Sayyaf kidnap victims plead for billions in ransom

MANILA, Philippines — A video surfaced Wednesday showing Abu Sayyaf foreign captives appealing for the payment of billions in ransom demanded by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants.

Reports said one of the abducted foreigners, Canadian John Ridsel asked his government to pay the ransom in the video, saying his life is in danger.

The video shows heavily armed gunmen behind the hostages, with one aiming a bolo at the hostages.

READ: Abu Sayyaf demands P2.8-B ransom for 3 foreigners

"We're being ransomed for each for P1 billion. I appeal to the Canadian Prime Minister and the people of Canada, please pay this ransom as soon as possible or our lives are in great danger," Ridsdel said.

A fellow Canadian captive, Robert Hall, also expressed the same appeal his freedom costs P1 billion.

"These people are serious and very treacherous. Take them seriously. Help us, get us out of here," Hall said.

The Norweigian hostage, Holiday Oceanview Resort Manager Kjartan Sekkingstad, expressed the same sentiment and urged for the ransom payment.

"I'm okay for now. I'm hostaged for P1 billion. Please, please pay this group. Take them seriously because they are dangerous, they are serious in their demands," Sekkingstad said.

The fourth kidnap victim and Hall's girlfriend, Marites Flor reportedly, did not speak in the video.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday refused to comment on the latest video apparently showing the victims, taken from Samal Island in October, being threatened with death.

AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said the military declines to speak about the matter "in order not to dignify the latest development."

"The AFP has made a decision not to comment," Padilla said.

The Philippine National Police and the AFP said they will adhere to the no-ransom policy in addressing the Samal Island kidnapping case.

"The PNP adheres to the principle of no ransom policy based on government's policy, rest assured the public, the continuing operations natin to ensure the safety of the victims, that is the primordial concern of the PNP and the AFP," PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said in a press briefing at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.