Abu Sayyaf captive Bernard Then has been beheaded in Indanan, Sulu Tuesday afternoon, after foiled negotiations for his release, the military reported.
Joint Task Group Sulu chief Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado confirmed that Then, a 39-year-old Malaysian, has been decapitated at about 4 p.m. in Barangay Taran in Indanan town.
Arrojado said Then’s family failed to comply with the ransom demands of the Abu Sayyaf, prompting the group to behead him.
Several reports said the beheading was carried out while ASG men were being bombarded with air strikes by the military.
It appears that the beheading pushed through almost simultaneously with the bombardment and rocket fires,” Arrojado said in a report.
Then was kidnapped along with restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, from Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan, Malaysia last May 15.
Thien was freed last Nov. 8 after a ransom has been paid. But, the bandits allegedly asked for a higher amount in exchange for Then’s release.
Meanwhile, authorities are still verifying whether the headless body found in Indanan belongs to Then.
