Free Republic

Abu Sayyaf, a Filipino Islamist jihadi group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS), beheaded a hostage from Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed on Monday. John Ridsdel, an ex-journalist turned mining executive, was named as the victim of the Filipino terrorists. Despite having pledged allegiance to ISIS, Abu Sayyaf has not been shown to be receiving support from the group. "I am outraged by the news that a Canadian citizen held hostage has been killed. This was an act of cold-blooded murder," said Trudeau. According to police in Jolo Island in Sulu province, a jungled province in...

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines - (KRT) - Before Friday's announcement that deployment of U.S. troops to help eradicate the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has been postponed, mortar shells knocked out electricity for 18 million people on Mindanao. The destruction of pylons and a key power transmission station, allegedly by Islamic militants, may have been a signal that the government may be dealing with more than a ragtag kidnap for ransom gang. In an announcement coinciding with the postponement, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave her armed forces a 90-day deadline to wipe out the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf and at the same...