German's beheading put off after part payment of ransom

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Abu Sayyaf has postponed the execution of German hostage Viktor Stefan Okonek after a reported payment of 60mil Peso (RM4.3mil) as part of the ransom demanded, an emissary said.

Okonek was to have been executed Friday but before the 5pm extended deadline lapsed, the Islamic extremist group received some money, according to one Al Kataib, who said he was an aide to Abu Rami, spokesman of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, who had said the group would execute the German if no money arrived by 3pm Friday.