Police verify alleged ultimatum extension of Abu Sayyaf on captive foreigners

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities are verifying reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) may extend its ultimatum on its Samal Island foreign captives held in the mountains of Sulu.

The reports came as police effort continued before the deadline lapses Monday afternoon.

Sulu Police provincial director Senior Superintendent Wilfredo Cayat disclosed that somebody told their informants that the Abu Sayyaf would postpone the 3 p.m. deadline.

The ASG in its last video footage gave the government and the families of Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipino woman Marites Flor until 3 p.m. on Monday to comply with their ransom demand.

“Nagdadasal nga kami na hindi nila (Abu Sayyaf) ituloy,” Cayat said in a phone interview.

The police official believes that among the factors which the Abu Sayyaf may have considered is the observance of the Ramadan and the negotiation effort.

But Cayat stressed that he doesn’t know the details as to who are negotiating even as they stood by the government’s no ransom policy. 

He added that they have been closely monitoring the case and exhausting all possible means to secure the safety of any captives of the Abu Sayyaf.

“We are praying and crossing our fingers na sana maging tao rin sila at panindigan nila ang salita ng ating Panginoon,” Cayat added.

However, some security officials in Sulu remained apprehensive of the threat of the Abu Sayyaf on its captives citing the previous case of Canadian John Ridsdel who was executed around 3 p.m. But the incident was only confirmed after the decapitated head was recovered about 8 p.m. last April 25.

Military forces have been mobilized to preempt the Abu Sayyaf from staging its threats against the hostages.