Duterte: I will not allow killing of hostages

MANILA: Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. If you disobey this biblical command, then I will say, "bless me father for I have sinned".

With this statement issued by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte (pic), people believe that there is now 'light at the end of the tunnel' in the safe release of 4 Malysians, a Canadian, other foreigners and fellow Filipinos abducted by the kidnap-for-ransom groups especially the notorious Abu Sayyaf.

In an exclusive live-telecast interview with broadcasted Edwin Tulfu Thursday, Duterte admitted that he needs more time to address the issue.

However, he assured that he will not allow the killing of hostages by kidnappers or any militant groups operating in Mindanao or elsewhere in the country.

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"If these people will tell me that they kill hostages because ransom is not paid, then, I will tell them: "bless me father for I have sinned," the President, with a serious face replied to the question of Edwin.

"I am calling the Abu Sayyaf, other kidnappers, militant groups and the rest of the criminals to immediately stop it failing which I will issue the order," he strongly reiterated.

Recently, the Abu Sayyaf issued a June 13 deadline for payment of three hundred million pesos for the release of the Canadians Robert Hall .

Failure to meet the 3pm deadline on June 13, the abductors said they will execute the beheading of Robert.

Last month, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded Canadian John Ridsdel after the family and its government failed to comply with the ransom demand.

Four Malaysian sailors are facing imminent threat of execution. The Abu Sayyaf set an early May deadline for the families to begin negotiations for the hostage's release.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the police and the Malaysian government are conducting negotiations, with good co-operation from the Philippine government and authorities and hope to free them.

Replying to another question, the incoming President said he has no plans to neutralize MNLF chairman Nur Misuari and MILF leader Murad Ibrahim.

"I need Misuari and Murad to sit down and talk to me on how best to address the Mindanao issue," Duterte said adding that such move will help the government avoid the tense situation in the area from getting out of control.

He said kidnapping incidents is part of the Mindanao issue , therefore, we have to first address the roots of the problem.

On whether he will continue to disguise himself as a taxi driver to personally catch the criminals when he assume the presidency? Duterte simply replied: I will call you Edwin when I am in Quiapo".

Duterte occasionally disguise himself as taxi driver at night when he was the sitting mayor of Davao City.

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"I value my free time and don't be surprise if you see me riding my big bike alone in Manila.

I don't want anybody tailing my freedom," he said.

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