Hostage beheaded by al Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group in Philippines
Reports Abu Sayyaf militants beheaded Malaysian hostage Bernard then. The 39-year-old electrical engineer was on holiday in Philippines when he was captured. (Supplied)
A Malaysian man has reportedly been beheaded by a small al Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group based in Philippines.
Bernard Then, 39, was killed in the southern Philippines on the island of Jolo on Tuesday, according to local reports.
Mr Then had been held for ransom for months after he was kidnapped from a restaurant in May. Also taken hostage was the restaurant owner, Thein Nyuk Fun, who was released earlier this month for US $600,000.
It’s believed that negotiations with the Islamic militant group, Abu Sayyaf, broke down when they demanded more money for their captive.
The Philippine military confirmed it was investigating the murder of the electrical engineer.
"There were credible reports that Abu Sayyaf has carried out the execution," Brigadier-General Alan Arrojado said.
As well as bombings and beheadings, Abu Sayyaf, is known to seek ransom in return for freeing hostages.
Last year two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino were taken from an upscale beach resort.
They’ve demanded 1 billion pesos (AUS $30million) for each of the captives.
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