Palace condemns ‘brutal, senseless’ murder of Canadian hostage

Malacañang on Tuesday said it condemns the "brutal and senseless" murder of Canadian hostage Robert Hall who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf bandits, as it reiterated the government's resolve to put an end to the terror group.

In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said: "We strongly condemn the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Robert Hall, a Canadian national, after being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu for the past nine months."

"We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his bereaved family," Coloma added.

The Palace official said law enforcement authorities have been conducting operations against the Abu Sayyaf for the past two months that "have degraded the capability of our enemies and limited their movements."

"This latest heinous crime serves to strengthen our government’s resolve to put an end to this reign of terror and banditry," Coloma said.

The military had earlier confirmed that Hall was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf group.

According to the statement from the military's Western Mindanao Command, civilians found a severed head near the Jolo Cathedral at around 8:45 p.m. on Monday.

Local security forces recovered the remains, which were brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista military camp.

A few hours later, the "brutal beheading" of the hostage was confirmed.

Hall's execution came after the 3 p.m. deadline imposed by the Abu Sayyaf Group for the payment of a P300-million ransom.

"The brutal murder and inhuman execution of the victim by these evil terrorists shows their true color," the military's WesMinCom said.

Meanwhile, Coloma also thanked the Canadian government and people "for their steadfast support and understanding."

"[It] has been extremely helpful in our determined efforts to end this decades-old problem," he said.

"We truly regret that our people’s cherished tradition of extending gracious hospitality toward foreign nationals has been marred by a small band of criminals whose despicable actions have been abetted by the extortion of ransom from their previous victims," Coloma added. —KG, GMA News