Justin Trudeau condemns killing of Canadian hostage held in the Philippines

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the killing of his compatriot who was held hostage in the Philippines by an armed militant group known as Abu Sayyaf.

Trudeau in his comments described the killing as “an act of cold-blooded murder” on Monday after the severed head of 68-year-old John Ridsdel was found dumped in a plastic bag on a remote island.

According to the Philippine army, the group had threatened to execute one of four captives and it carried out its threat five hours after the expiration of a ransom deadline set by it.

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The beheaded Canadian was a former mining executive, snatched by Abu Sayyaf along with three other people in September 2015 while on holiday.

“Canada condemns without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers and this unnecessary death. This was an act of cold-blooded murder and responsibility rests squarely with the terrorist group who took him hostage,” Trudeau said.

“The government of Canada is committed to working with the government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for this heinous act.” He added.

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