MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday that it is verifying a YouTube video of an Australian kidnap victim of the local terror group Abu Sayyaf.
"The AFP is currently verifying and taking initial steps to confirm if the video posted on Youtube is really that of a certain personality as claimed. Rest assured that the AFP will take measures in support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its law enforcement functions to fully ascertain the identity and if possible, the whereabouts of the individual if he is (indeed the) kidnap victim," AFP public affairs deputy chief Major Emmanuel Garcia said.
Garcia said the military is asking the help of people who know the whereabouts of any kidnapped personality or any information that might lead to the rescue of such individuals so that they may be reunited with their loved ones.
"The AFP, PNP, concerned government agencies and the civilian populace must always work together mutually supporting each other in keeping the peace, maintaining order and enforcing the law for the safety and security of everyone," Garcia stressed.
Australian national, Warren Rodwell, was kidnapped by the bandits in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Dec. 5, 2011. In the YouTube video, the Australian victim announced that he does not expect to be released anytime soon.
"I do not expect to be released before the year 2013 at the earliest. I personally hold no hope at all for being released. I do not trust Abu Sayyaf,” the Australian said in the video.
The nearly two-minute video was posted on December 25.