AFP stands by no-ransom policy amid ultimatum for Samal captives
Kidnap victims of Abu Sayyaf in Samal, Davao del Norte in September 2015. (Photo courtesy of PIO EASTMINCOM) The military is standing by the government’s no ransom policy amid the one-month ultimatum issued by Islamic extremists holding three foreigners and a Filipina seized from an island resort in Samal, Davao del Norte in September last year. “We support the no ransom policy of the government,” stressed Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief. “We will just continue with our focused military operations based on available information to support the police operations,” added Detoyato, even as he emphasized that “the safety of the hostages is a primary concern during combat operations.” Detoyato issued the statement after suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members issued a one month ultimatum to the government and families of the two Canadians, a Norwegian man, and one Filipina to meet their demands or they would execute the