Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella issued a statement after the body of a German hostage killed by the Abu Sayyaf Group was discovered on Saturday.
In the statement released today, Abella said the government is “deeply saddened” by the discovery of Jurgen Katner’s body in Talibang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu.
It added, according to a report by Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo who is chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Kanter’s body was discovered yesterday by Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 under the Joint Task Force Sulu.
The AFP confirmed Kantner’s death on February 27.
Read: AFP confirms: Abu Sayyaf beheaded German victim
Abella said, “We reiterate our sincere sympathies to the family of Mr. Kantner, as well as to the rest of the German people, for this modern-day cruelty. Rest assured these mindless acts will not go unpunished.”
He added, “President Duterte has declared time and again that terrorism is the twin scourge of narco-politics, and that this government will leave no stone unturned in squarely addressing the evils of extremism and plain banditry.”
Dureza: We ‘strongly condemn’ barbaric act
In a statement released in February 27, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said, “We grieve as we strongly condemn the barbaric beheading of yet another kidnap victim.”
“Up to the last moment, many sectors, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) exhausted all efforts to save his life,” he added. “We all tried our best. But to no avail.”
Read: Dureza confirms Abu Sayyaf beheading of German victim
Kantner was abducted by Abu Sayyaf fighters in November 2016 along with his partner, Sabine Merz, while the couple was sailing on a yacht in Sabah.
Merz at the time reportedly tried to shoot their abductors. The Abu Sayyaf shot back and killed her.
The ASG beheaded him on February 26 after a deadline to pay for a P30 million ransom lapsed.
CNN Philippines digital producer Ver Marcelo contributed to this report.
