Threat to behead hostages looms again

The four hostages still being held by Abu Sayyaf.

KOTA KINABALU: The threat of execution hangs over the four abducted Malaysian sailors after Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines set an “early” May deadline for talks to begin for their release.

Anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinampo said killing captives appeared to be easier for the gunmen now following the beheading of Malaysian Bernard Then in Nov 17 last year and Canadian John Ridsdel on April 25 in Jolo island.