Ransom deadline today

TODAY (Monday) is the deadline set by the Abu Sayyaf for the payment of ransom for the freedom of two foreign men and a Filipino woman it abducted from Samal Island last year.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was doing its best to rescue the three believed being held in Sulu where the terror group has its stronghold.

“Our focused military operations continue without letup,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Sunday.

Last month, the terrorists posted a new video showing the unkempt, emaciated hostages begging President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to help them.

The group gave the victims’ governments and families until June 13 to pay ransom of P300 million for each of the foreigners, or they would be beheaded like a Canadian hostage who was killed on April 25. Julie M. Aurelio