Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apologised on February 28 for failing to rescue German hostage Jurgen Kantner from the militant group Abu Sayyaf, but insisted not paying a ransom was the correct decision.
Addressing the German government representatives and Kantner’s family, Duterte said he was “very sorry” about his death and that the military had stepped up an offensive against Abu Sayyaf in an effort to save him.
The leader stressed that the country will not bow to ransom demands, saying this will just increase the number of victims.
Military officials said on February 28 that they were still searching for his body, while vowing to “relentlessly pursue” the militants and rescue more than 20 other hostages.
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