CHR statement on the beheading of Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf bandit group
The Commission on Human Rights expresses its indignation over the beheading of Canadian hostages Robert Hall and John Ridsdel by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Southern Philippines and joins the call of an outraged nation for the immediate arrests and prosecution of their killers.
The CHR extends its condolences to the immediate families of Hall and Ridsdel who had be beheaded by the ASG over the last few days and weeks as a part of their terror and kidnap-for-ransom activities. We are concerned about the fate of the two other hostages, a Filipino and a Norwegian, who were abducted from a small marina on Samal Island in Davao last year, and call for law enforcement to exert all efforts to secure their freedom and safety.
The CHR condemns these killings and other terrorist acts of the ASG in the strongest possible terms and reiterates that kidnapping, illegal detention and murder are grave violations of a human’s right to life, liberty and security and should not be tolerated n a just, humane, and democratic country like ours. These despicable acts of the ASG have no placed in a civilized society.
The CHR supports the current campaign of the national government, particularly in the transition between administrations, in order to apply the full force of law, arrest of all perpetrators of the heinous crimes, bring them before the bar of justice, and to ensure that accountability is ensured.
CHR Contact : Strategic Communications Division
Telephone Number : 928-5655