Duterte Keeps Silent Regarding Kidnapping Activities of Abu Sayyaf, To Address Policy Once He Assumes Office

15 Jun Duterte Keeps Silent Regarding Kidnapping Activities of Abu Sayyaf, To Address Policy Once He Assumes Office

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Salvador Panelo, incoming Presidential spokesman, said in a phone interview that it is too early to make statements regarding the Duterte camp’s plans on how they will stop the kidnapping activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), more with the beheading of another Canadian hostage in Jolo, Sulu on June 13, Monday. For incumbent President Benigno Aquino III is yet to step down from his seat more than two weeks from now, in which he still has time to resolve the crisis before his term expires on June 30.

As said by Panelo, “Meron pang [ilang linggo ang] present administration ni Aquino. Let them handle first the situation.” Until Duterte finally swears his oath of office, that’s when Duterte will address his policy if the crisis still exists.

Robert Hall, a Canadian national, was the recent victim of beheading done by the hands of the Abu Sayyaf after the deadline of P300 million ransom was not met. It can also be recalled that his fellow countrymen John Ridsdel was executed in the same manner last April 25 on the same year. Currently, 2 more remain as captives of the local terrorist group.