Palace to use ‘language of force’ vs Abu Sayyaf

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER PHOTO

“We will speak to you only in the language of force.”

Malacañang on Wednesday reiterated President Benigno Aquino III’s comments against the Abu Sayyaf following the release of a beheading video.

The bandit group released online a 52-second video of the beheading of Canadian national John Ridsdel, which also included a threat against the President.

In the video, the executioner of Ridsdel said, “Noynoy Aquino, tignan mo kung hindi mo binibigay ‘yung ransom namin, puputulan ko ng ulo ‘yung Canadian. Pati ikaw kung mahuli kita puputulan din kita.”

(Noynoy Aquino, watch this; if you will not give us the ransom, we will cut this Canadian’s head off. You too, if I find you, I’ll cut your head off.)

READ: Abu Sayyaf bandits who beheaded Canadian threaten to kill Aquino

Asked for comment, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that Aquino already gave his remarks against the Abu Sayyaf.

He said the following quote “also addresses the latest threat”:

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population.”

Aquino said that in a statement released a week ago after the death of Ridsdel was confirmed.

READ: Aquino ‘appalled’ by beheading of Canadian, sends letter to family

“We have always believed in the power of dialogue, development, and positive engagement over arms. But we will always act from a position of strength,” Aquino said then. “So, to the ASG, and whoever may aid or abet them, you have chosen only the language of force, and we will speak to you only in that language.”

“We will not stop until the threat they pose to our communities is ended,” he added.