Palace condemns beheading of 2nd Canadian hostage

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday strongly condemned the beheading of the second Canadian hostage held captive by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

Robert Hall was the second Canadian hostage beheaded by the group after John Ridsdel last April 25.

"We strongly condemn the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Robert Hall," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr. said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The Western Mindanao Command confirmed that the bandit group beheaded Hall after his family reportedly failed to pay P600 million in ransom, according to a report from the Philippines News Agency.

READ: Abus claim 2nd Canadian hostage beheaded

"We thank the Canadian government and people for their steadfast support and understanding which has been extremely helpful in our determined efforts to end this decades-old problem," Coloma said.

Coloma described the Abu Sayyaf's acts of extortion from their previous victims as "despicable."

"This latest heinous crime serves to strengthen our government’s resolve to put an end to this reign of terror and banditry," the Cabinet official said.

Coloma added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have been conducting military and law enforcement operations against bandit groups for the past two months.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the killing of Hall and stressed that the Government of Canada will not pay ransom for hostages to terrorist groups as it would endanger the lives of more Canadians.

"With the tragic loss of two Canadians, I want to reiterate that terrorist hostage-takings only fuel more violence and instability. Canada will not give into their fear mongering tactics and despicable attitude toward the suffering of others," Trudeau said in a statement released Monday evening.

Trudeau said that Canada will continue to work with the Philippines and international partners to pursue those who are responsible for such "heinous acts."