Abu Sayyaf extremists free Norwegian hostage in Philippines

Solberg noted, however, that although Sekkingstad’s case had been successful, his two companions – Canadians John Risdel and Robert Hall – had not been so lucky.

Indanan, Philippines // A Norwegian former hostage on Sunday described his psychological torture as he heard his friends being beheaded by militants during a year-long captivity in the southern Philippines.

Despite Malacañang’s no-ransom stance, more than P100 million was apparently paid for the freedom of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad from the bandit group Abu Sayyaf over the weekend.

Sekkingstad would then be flown on to meet Duterte in the southern city of Davao, chief government peace negotiator Jesus Dureza said.

“Their repatriation will be up to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, but I asked [them to be repatriated] soon”, he said. Borge said he was told that Sekkingstad would be likely handed over to the Philippine authorities on Sunday.

In one of those clashes, he recalled, he felt a thud in his back and thought he was hit by gunfire, but found out later that it was his green, army-style backpack that was pierced.

Daniela Taruc and Levy Gonzales, described as employees of a telecom subcontractor, were released in Panglima Estino, a town just south of Patikul, from where they were kidnapped on August 6, according to Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City.

Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad (centre) stands next to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari and other members after he was freed from the Abu Sayyaf Islamist militant group, in Jolo, Sulu September 18, 2016.

Sekkingstad was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf along with Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Tess Flor from a resort on Samal Island on September 21 past year.

The bandits killed Ridsdel and Hall in April and June respectively. When Flor was freed in June, she recounted in horror how the militants rejoiced while watching the beheadings. Membership is said to number in the low hundreds.

“We were treated like slaves”, he said. Norway Ambassador Erik Forner reportedly flew to Davao in anticipation of Sekkingstad’s release.

Heavy rains prevented Misuari’s rebel group from immediately turning over Sekkingstad to Dureza on Saturday.

He also said Sekkingstad’s first words to him on the phone was “Thank you to President Duterte”.

In his brief statement, Sekkingstad thanked the President, Dureza, and Misuari, as well as Norwegian officials and his families in the Philippines and Norway.

Norwegian officials reacted to the long-anticipated news of release, calling it a positive development.

Amid the offensive against them, the Abu Sayyaf had freed three Indonesian nationals who were taken from a Malaysian fishing vessel near the east coast Lahad Datu district on July 9.

The MNLF, which is engaged in a peace process with the Philippines government, has been facilitating negotiations for the release of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf, which is believed to still be holding captive at least 11 foreigners and three Filipinos.