Body of beheaded Canadian found in Sulu

Robert Hall

MANILA—The body of Robert Hall, the Canadian national beheaded by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits last June 13, has been dug-up and recovered in Sulu Saturday morning.

Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said Hall’s decaying remains were recovered by troops of Joint Task Group (JTG) Sulu around 11:35 a.m. in Upper Kamuntayan, Talipao.

“The body is currently being brought by the troops to JTG Sulu Headquarters at Barangay Busbus, Jolo , Sulu for documentation before turn over to the PNP SOCO (scene-of-the-crime operatives),” he added.

Hall was beheaded by the ASG last June 13.

His head was later recovered by civilians in front of the gate of the Jolo Cathedral.

Hall, together with John Ridsdel, Kjartan Sikkengstad and Marites Flor, was abducted last Sept. 21 at the Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Samal City, Davao Del Norte.

Sikkengstad is the only remaining kidnap victim with the ASG as Flor was freed by her kidnappers last week.

The Western Mindanao Command decries the barbaric act of the ASG in beheading its captives which can be described as contrary to the Islamic teachings.

Focused military operations in the area are being undertaken to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf members and possibly rescue the remaining kidnap victim.