Palace on German hostage: Gov't firm on no-ransom policy

German nationals Jurgen Kantner and his wife Sabine Merz (R) pose for a photograph in Somalia in this file photo from 2009, seven years before their abduction in the Philippines. Photo: AFP

Malacañang on Wednesday stressed that the government observes a no-ransom policy, after a German hostage of the Abu Sayyaf has appealed to the authorities to heed his captors' P30-million ransom demand to avoid execution.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, however, said that military operations to rescue 70-year-old Jurgen Kantner and other hostages have been intensified.

"The Government stands firm on our no-ransom policy. The AFP has been directed to continue and intensify its military operations. The government will continue efforts to safely rescue all hostages held by these terrorists. It is also working closely with the concerned local governments as well as other sectors to facilitate the safe rescue of Mr. Jurgen Kantner," he said.

Kantner made the appeal through a video posted online. He was abducted off Sabah in November 2016. His wife, who was abducted with him, was later found dead.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' public affairs office earlier said that the military was validating the authenticity of the video.

Like Abella, Arevalo also said that the government does not negotiate with terrorists.

"Hindi tayo nagbabayad ng ransom sa terorista," the military official said. — MDM, GMA News