Norwegian Hostage Released by Philippine ISIS Affiliate
Abu Sayyaf, an ISIS affiliate in the southern Philippines, released hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad of Norway on September 16. Sekkingstad was one of four hostages captured by the terrorist group at a tourist resort in September of 2015. The kidnapping was only one of many ongoing terrorist acts in the county and quickly prompted an aggressive reaction from Philippine security forces.
The remaining prisoners included two Canadians, Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, as well as Filipino citizen Maritess Flor. However, Abu Sayyaf beheaded Ridsdel and Hall in April and June, respectively, after the Canadian government refused to pay their ransom. Flor was released in June.
The source of Sekkingstad’s ransom of 30 million pesos, approximately $630,000, remains anonymous. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg denied any involvement in the payment. Philippine President Duterte, however, made a statement alluding to the Philippine payment of the ransom.
The Philippine government continues to maintain an uncompromising stance against Abu Sayyaf. One of Duterte’s new military heads declared a “shock and awe” offensive against the group, followed by direct military engagements this summer. The subsequent clashes between Philippine troops and Abu Sayyaf extremists led to multiple military casualties.
Abu Sayyaf’s beheading of the Canadian hostages alongside its ability to damage the Philippine standing army indicates its growing legitimacy as a threat to Philippine security. Founded in 1991, Abu Sayyaf seeks to establish an Islamic state in the Philippines. The terrorist group was also responsible for the worst terror attack in Philippine history, a 2004 ferry bombing that killed over 100.
In addition to several similar bombings, Abu Sayyaf is infamous for its kidnappings, such as the Sekkingstad hostage situation and the capture of fourteen Indonesian sailors. The extent of the group’s activities signals that the Abu Sayyaf group is not just a Philippine threat, but also a regional and international one.
Abu Sayyaf’s terror operations in the nation remain an active threat, emphasizing the rise of ISIS in Southeast Asia. Moreover, the group’s activity in the region places greater pressure on Manila to comprehensively address terrorism without antagonizing terrorist groups, which would place the Philippine population at greater risk. Duterte’s military initiatives are a key step, but further action is needed to delegitimize Abu Sayyaf and prevent its ability to harm civilians, domestically and internationally.