Philippines’ Duterte Says ‘Don’t Allow Yourselves To Be Kidnapped,’ Orders Troops To Bomb Militants And Their Captives

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has advised possible victims of kidnappings at sea to avoid getting abducted. His comments came during a speech late Saturday, when he said he had ordered Philippine forces to bomb terrorists fleeing with their captives.

Duterte’s comments were in response to series of kidnappings at sea — mostly by the local militant group Abu Sayyaf that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. He called the loss of civilian lives while bombing the terrorists a “collateral damage.”

The 71-year-old president told the navy and the coast guard that “if there are kidnappers and they're trying to escape, bomb them all. They say ‘hostages.’ Sorry, collateral damage.” He said such a move would let the government get even with militants who demand ransom.

“You can’t gain mileage for your wrongdoing, I will really have you blasted,” he said, advising potential captives “don’t allow yourselves to be kidnapped.”

Duterte’s statement comes at a time when Abu Sayyaf threat in southwestern Philippines is increasing. The group, formed in the early 1990s in Basilan province, located about 100 miles northeast of the Sulu province, is known for extortion, kidnappings, beheadings and bombings.

On Saturday, the extremist group released South Korean captain Park Chul-hong and his Filipino crewman who were kidnapped three months ago from their cargo ship. They were handed over to Moro National Liberation Front rebels who transferred the hostages to Philippine officials in southern Jolo town in Sulu. Philippine peace adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza said he was not aware of any ransom being paid for the release of the captives.

Last Wednesday, Abu Sayyaf released a video threatening to behead German hostage Jurgen Kantner if the German government did not pay a $10 million ransom. Kantner was captured last November along with his companion, who was shot dead when she tried to escape.

Last year, the Philippine militant group beheaded two Canadians, John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, after the Canadian government refused to pay ransom for them. Currently, the group is believed to be holding hostages from the Netherlands, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and South Korea.