By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Oct. 16 (PNA) — The Philippine government is doing its best to ensure the safe and eventual release of German nationals who are currently held captive by the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
“The Philippine government is exerting all efforts to secure the safe release of the German hostages,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement Thursday.
“We shall continue to pursue this objective,” he added.
The German couple were seized by the rebels last April off Western Palawan while the former are sailing a yacht.
The ASG threatened to kill one of the hostages around 3 p.m. Friday if the government fails to heed their demands.
The extremists also called on the German government to stop the US-led air strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
They are also asking for a P250 million ransom for the two hostages.
Defense officials earlier said the rebels are keeping the hostages in the jungles of Jolo, Sulu. (PNA)