Abu Sayyaf hostages Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad (left) and beheaded Canadian Robert Hall are seen in this picture taken in Jolo island, southern Philippines. - Reuters
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines: Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Abu Ramie said Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad had been freed and handed over to a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander in Barangay (village) Bud Pula in the Patikul town on Saturday.
He said Sekkingstad was released around 3.30 pm to MNLF commander Tahil Sali.
Earlier, Ramie said they readied Sekkingstad for release since Friday night.
Ramie said they were just waiting for the delivery of the 30 million Philippine peso ($672,228) ransom in exchange for Sekkingstad’s freedom.
Sekkingstad was one of the four people the Abu Sayyaf abducted from a marina on Samal Island in Davao del Norte. Two of his companions, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were beheaded separately.
Hall’s Filipino girlfriend, Marites Flor was also freed in June. Last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said 50 million Philippine peso ($1.04 million) had already been paid for the Norwegian’s release but the Abu Sayyaf held on to him. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
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