Hostages appeal in video for halt to Philippines military operations

Two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino woman have appealed by video to the Philippines to stop military operations, and to Canada to negotiate for their freedom with Islamist militants who abducted them. The four were snatched at gunpoint by 11 men, believed to be al Qaeda-linked Islamist militants Abu Sayyaf, at an upmarket resort on Samal island in the Philippines in September. and taken to an unknown location in the south. "Please, stop all these operations so that negotiations can start,“ said a man, who introduced himself as John Ridsdel on the 2min 22sec clip circulating on YouTube, while a machete was brandished behind his head by a militant who was holding him.

(We are) pursuing all appropriate channels to seek further information.

Canadian foreign ministry spokesman

Another captive, who introduced himself as Robert Hall, also appealed to stop the bombings, saying his life was in grave danger. A third man who introduced himself as Kjartan Sekkingstad was also made to plead for their lives. The four were identified by the Philippines army in September as having been taken hostage. This was the first video of them since their abduction. All of them were shown to be sitting in a jungle while the militants with covered faces held rifles and machetes. The militants’ leader spoke fluent English, demanding the artillery attacks be halted and the negotiation of the release of the hostages.

Philippines hostages Asia-Pacific