Family of slain hostage say they back Canada ransom policy

Hostages Canadian national Robert Hall (R) and Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad (L) are seen in this undated picture released to local media, in Jolo island in southern Philippines. Handout/ via REUTERS

TORONTO (Reuters) - The family of a Canadian hostage who was executed by an Islamist militant group in the Philippines said on Tuesday they supported the Canadian government's policy of not paying ransom in kidnapping cases.

The Philippines on Tuesday confirmed the death of Robert Hall, who had been held hostage by al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf on a remote southern island with three other people since September 2015.