Philippine government clarifies despite Abu Sayyaf’s claim of payment

MANILA: Contradictory to an Abu Sayyaf spokesman’s claim that a ransom was paid in full for the release of German hostages Viktor Stefan Okonek and Henrike Dielen on Friday, the Philippine government has clarified that it did not sanction any payment to the kidnappers.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt Col Harold Cabunoc described as “propaganda” the claim by Abu Rami, the spokesman of Radulan Sahiron who is the leader of the Abu Sayyaf faction that seized the Germans, as saying that a ransom payment was made.