WATCH: Suspected militants abduct Filipino, foreigners

MANILA, Philippines — Suspected Muslim militants have posted a video purportedly showing for the first time two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino woman who were abducted last month from a southern Philippine resort, and demanded that government forces stop its artillery attacks.

Army Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said Wednesday that authorities were trying to verify the authenticity of the video, adding the military would reject any demands from the militants.

READ FULL STORY: Military verifying video showing kidnapping of Filipino, foreigners

The video was circulated online and by the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites. It shows the glum-looking hostages sitting in a grassy clearing with a dozen mostly masked gunmen standing behind them. Two black flags associated with the Islamic State group hang in the backdrop of lush foliage.  — Text by the Associated Press