[AFP] The Philippine military said on Sunday it had recovered the body of the elderly German hostage who was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf militants last week.Military officials said marines found Kantner's body on Saturday evening on the militants' remote island stronghold of Sulu, more than 600 miles south of Manila. Military spokesman Edgard Arevalo said,
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines continues with all efforts to make good (on) its commitment to return the remains of the kidnap victim to his homeland to accord to him the decent burial he deserves."
Kantner's remains are in a military hospital morgue while officials prepare documents to transport the body. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apologized on Tuesday for failing to save Kantner and said the military had stepped up operations against the rebels.