AFP relentless in bid to rescue German hostage from ASG

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Sunday said that focused military operations have been relentless as part of efforts to rescue German Jurgen Kantner from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Kantner remains in the hands of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits who threatened to execute him by beheading if ransom is not paid for his release.

In a two-minute, 19-second video, a frail Kantner was seen appealing to German and Philippine authorities to help facilitate the payment of R30 million or else he will be beheaded by 3 p.m. February 26.

In a statement, AFP Spokesman Air Force Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, said there will be no pause in the military’s operation as it has now put a premium on hostages’ lives that are now in danger.

"The Armed Forces will pursue the enemy and dictate the terms, not the other way around. The operations are not only aimed at rescuing hostages but also to significantly degrade enemy capabilities," Padilla said.

"We will not be cowed by the demands of evil individuals and groups who continue to perpetuate practices contrary to Islam," he added.

In a separate statement, the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said that, with or without a deadline, government forces will do everything they can to hunt down the bandits and rescue the German national and other hostages.

"With deadline or no deadline, the Western Mindanao Command troops are exerting all effort and means in order to go after the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and to rescue all kidnap victims, foreign and local," said WestMinCom commander Army Major General Carlito Galvez Jr.