Islamist militants in the Philippines have killed a Canadian man they had been holding hostage for months.
The man has been identified by the Canadian government as John Ridsdel.
Ridsdel was seized from a resort island off the city of Davao on Mindanao along with 2 other foreigners and a Filipino woman by the Abu Sayyaf group last September.
The group later demanded ransom of more than 6 million dollars per hostage, and set April 25th as the deadline for payment.
Local police say one of the men taken away was killed on Monday. They blame Abu Sayyaf for his death.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement condemning the execution, calling it an act of cold-blooded murder.
Trudeau said his government is working with the Philippine government to secure the release of the remaining 3 hostages.
Abu Sayyaf, which is based in the southern Philippines, supports the Islamic State militant group. Its members have often kidnapped foreigners and demanded huge ransoms.
Source and image: NHK
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