Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Days after his beheading, military troops have recovered the body of slain Abu Sayyaf hostage, German National Juergen Kantner.
In a statement released Sunday, the Western Mindanao Commande (Westmincom) said Kantner’s body was found at 6 p.m. Saturday by elements of the Marina Battalion Landing Team 3 in Sitio Talibang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu.
Kantner was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf Group on February 26 after the ASG’s deadline for his ransom lapsed.
The ASG asked for ₱30 million for Kantner’s life, but due to the Philippine government’s no ransom policy, the ultimatum expired on February 26.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza confirmed Kantner’s death last Monday and condemned his beheading by the ASG.
His remains will be kept at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital Morgue until documents for their transport are completed.
Read: Dureza confirms Abu Sayyaf beheading of German victim
Following the recovery, WestMinCom Commander MGen Carlito G Galvez Jr. expressed his sympathy to Kantner’s family.
“Once again, the command is sending its deep regrets to the family for not being able to rescue Mr. Kantner on time, and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.”
He added, the military is stepping up efforts to recover hostages kidnapped by the ASG.
Sixteen Abu Sayyafs were killed in a series of search and retrieval operations for Kantner, while six ASG members were wounded and four others were apprehended. Some two dozen military troops were also wounded by the encounters.
In a statement released Saturday, Malacañang condemned the killing of the German national.
Following the recovery of Kantner’s remains, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated his condolences to the Kantner family and promised the ASG’s act would not go unpunished.
Abella said the government would “leave no stone unturned” in addressing extremism and banditry in the country.
The spokesman added, “The Philippine government is deeply saddened but resolved as ever to respond to the recent discovery of the body of Mr. Jurgen Kantner, a German national, in the interiors of Talibang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu.”
