AFP continues operation to rescue 2 seized Germans

Armed Forces of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of AFP Facebook page.

MANILA – The military continues its operations to rescue the two German nationals who were held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu.

Despite the ongoing negotiations for their release, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang said the military has not abandoned their rescue operations.

He said that they will continue providing the needed military support to the Philippine National Police.

Catapang also added the military intelligence operatives will continuously deal with the situation.

“There were plans to rescue them although the chances of success were very slim so we decided not to push it,” he said.

“We cannot just go there, do the rescue and then all of a sudden those who will be rescued will be part of the collateral damage,” he stressed.

The military chief also confirmed that the threat to behead the hostages if their demand for a P250-million ransom is not met by Oct. 10, is real.

“We are trying to analyze the situation on which should be prioritized, rescue or negotiations. What we are seeing now is continuous negotiations and we were told that they (hostages) are still alive,” he stressed.

“Secretary Gazmin said we should continue looking after the hostages, and if there is a chance that we can get them, rescue them without collateral damage, then we have to do it,” he added.