Two Germans held captive by Islamist militants in the southern Philippines appealed Monday for authorities to secure their immediate release.
The hostages, who were seized in April while sailing off the province of Palawan, spoke on local radio station DXRZ in Zamboanga City, 875 kilometres south of Manila.
“We appeal to the Philippine and German governments, do all they can because we are living in a difficult situation,” the 55-year-old female hostage said. “The situation here is very, very stressful. We are not sure how long we can cope.
“The jungle is very dangerous,” she said.
The 74-year-old German man said his medical condition had worsened because they have sleeping on wet ground since their capture.
“I fear for myself,” he said.
Abu Ramin, a spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf group holding the hostages, called the radio station to reiterate threats to the hostages if ransom of more than 5 million dollars is not paid by October 10.
The captors also demanded that Germany withdraw its support for the US airstrikes against jihadists in Syria and Iraq.
“If these demands will not be met, we will decide on the fate of the two hostages,” he said.
Philippine officials said the Abu Sayyaf, which has kidnapped foreigners for ransom in the past, appeared to be taking advantage of the international attention given to the Islamic State group.
GNA
