This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29665728
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Philippine militants release two German hostages | Philippine militants release two German hostages |
(35 minutes later) | |
A Philippines-based militant group has released two German hostages captured in April, local officials say. | A Philippines-based militant group has released two German hostages captured in April, local officials say. |
The hostages were reportedly seized from a yacht between Malaysia and the Philippines. Abu Sayyaf vowed to kill one hostage and demanded a ransom. | |
The group claimed on Friday the $5.6m (£3.5m) ransom had been paid in full. | |
The Muslim separatist group also called for an end to German support for the US-led coalition against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria. | |
However, Germany refused to withdraw its backing for the US action. | However, Germany refused to withdraw its backing for the US action. |
Rebel claim | |
The Philippine officials said the two hostages - identified as Stefan Okonek and Henrite Dielen - were released on Jolo Island, about 960km (600 miles) south of the capital Manila. | |
"They are now safe and secure at an army camp," a police official was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency. | |
Earlier on Friday, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Rami claimed that the hostages had been freed and the ransom had been paid. | |
This has not been confirmed by the authorities in the Philippines. | |
Abu Sayyaf has been active since the early 1990s. | |
It is a small but violent Islamist militant group which operates in the southern Philippines. | |
It is considered a "foreign terrorist organisation" by the US, and has been blamed for attacks including beheadings. | |
Abu Sayyaf is also known to kidnap foreign and local hostages for ransom. | |
The group said it carried out the 2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing, the Philippines' deadliest terror attack in which 116 people were killed. |
Previous version
1
Next version