[PhilStar] The Abu Sayyaf has reportedly executed German captive Juergen Gustav Kantner after the deadline the terrorist group imposed for the ransom payment lapsed yesterday. Reports received by the military and police said the rebels led by sub-leader Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami, beheaded Kantner at about 3:30 p.m. in Indanan, Sulu.Last Saturday, the military launched air strikes against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu as the ransom deadline approached. The Philippine Air Force 3rd Air Division used attack helicopters to pound 40 to 60 Abu Sayyaf militants with rockets.
Military spokesperson Jo-Ann Petinglay said ground commander Col. Cirilito Sobejana confirmed that the air strikes were directed against rebels encamped in the mountains of Patikul, Sulu.
Philippine security forces searched for Kantner's remains yesterday. Without the remains, the military and police said that though they received a report about the beheading, they could not officially confirm it.