Filipino militants demand $60 million ransom for 3 foreigners
MANILA, Philippines >> Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen have demanded more than $60 million for two Canadians and a Norwegian they are holding in the jungles of the southern Philippines in the largest ransom the Muslim militants have sought.
Army Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said Wednesday the Philippine government maintains a no-ransom policy, adding there would be no let-up in efforts by his troops to secure the hostages’ freedom in the safest way possible.
In the video, which was circulated online by the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites, the kidnappers and their captives say for the first time that the Abu Sayyaf was behind the Sept. 21 kidnappings.
Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization.