Military recovers both body and head of executed German hostage

The military on Sunday said soldiers recovered in Indanan, Sulu on Saturday afternoon both the body and the head of German hostage Juergen Kantner the Abu Sayyaf Group beheaded over a week ago.

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Col. Cirilito Sobejana said Kantner's head was recovered by soldiers together with his torso in Barangay Buana around 5:45 p.m. 

Sobejana said the Joint Task Force Sulu (TFS) spent more than a week searching for the remains of Kantner, whose beheading was confirmed on February 27.

The TFS is coordinating with the German Embassy for the disposition of Kantner's remains, he added.

In a separate statement, Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Kantner's remains will temporarily be kept at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Jolo, while documentary requirements are being completed.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said that the recovery of the victim's remains heightens the military's resolve to bring the Abu Sayyaf bandits to justice. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/LBG, GMA News