Ransom-seeking Abu Sayyaf extremists on Saturday freed a Norwegian man, officials said. ( Berit Roald / AP )MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Abu Sayyaf extremists on Saturday freed a Norwegian man kidnapped a year ago in the southern Philippines with two Canadians who were later beheaded and a Filipino woman who has been released by the ransom-seeking militants, officials said. Dureza said that when he spoke on the phone with Sekkingstad, the Norwegian expressed his gratitude to Duterte. The military said Saturday that relentless assaults forced the extremists to release the hostage. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende confirmed Sekkingstad’s release and said he was in contact with Dureza.

Source: thestar September 17, 2016 14:15 UTC