The Palace is verifying reports that a German kidnap victim had been beheaded by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said Sunday night. “Despite efforts exerted by groups and the security forces, I have received reports about the alleged beheading of a German kidnap victim in Sulu Sunday afternoon. In the meantime, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security forces are maintaining their “search and rescue posture” until all kidnap victims are freed, he added. The Abu Sayyaf was reported to have threatened to behead a German hostage unless their ransom demand of P30 million was met. The Abu Sayyaf, which has professed support to the Islamic State, had at least 25 hostages as of January 24.

Source: Manila Times February 26, 2017 15:05 UTC