Abu Sayyaf releases Norwegian captive

The Abu Sayyaf Group on Saturday afternoon released Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad, almost a year of holding the victim captive.

Major Filemon Tan, spokesperson of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, said Sekkingstad was released around 4 p.m. in Sulu.

Tan did not provide additional information on the release.

He said Sekkingstad will be brought to the provincial capitol in Jolo town.

Earlier reports said Sekkingstad was released by the bandits in Sulu through Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Tahil Sali.

Misuari group helped

In a separate statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said Sekkingstad was released around 2 p.m. in Patikul town.

Dureza said Sekkingstad will stay overnight at the residence of MNLF founder Nur Misuari in Barangay Kagay, also in Patikul town.

"I will fly him out of Jolo town tomorrow (Sunday) morning," he said.

Dureza said that he had spoken with the Norwegian and the released hostage's first words were, "Thank you to Presid

Sekingstad was taken by gunmen, along with Canadians Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel and Filipina Marites Flor, in Samal Island on Sept. 21, 2015.

The Abu Sayaf Group beheaded the two Canadian nationals and released Flor last June 24.

Tan said in a statement that the Norwegian's release was "an offshoot" of the military's intensified offensive, with the assistance of the MNLF against the Abu Sayyaf.

"Simultaneous land, air, naval and police operations complemented each other putting pressure on the ASG," he said.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte said that ransom had been paid for the release of the Norwegian hostage.

In his statement, Dureza said the release of the Norwegian "capped months of quiet, patient but determine efforts with the assistance of all sectors."

"Men of Misuari and former [Sulu] governor Sakur Tan and other volunteers helped in the release," he said. —ALG, GMA News