Militants Release Abducted Sailor

After being held captive for nearly a year by Philippine militants, Norwegian sailor and business manager Kjartan Sekkingstad was released Saturday, much to the relief of family and friends. The release was reportedly spurred by the Philippine government’s ongoing military operations against Sekkingstad’s Abu Sayyaf captors. It is unclear whether a ransom was paid. 

As reported last year, Sekkingstad was abducted September 21, 2015, from a resort marina which he managed on Samal Island, in the southern Philippines, along with Canadian cruisers John Ridsdel and Robert Hall — both of whom were executed for lack of ransom payments — and Filipina Tess Flor. 

According to CNN, the Moro National Liberation Front, which is in peace talks with the government, assisted authorities in the operation. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte — who has made headlines recently for promoting vigilante justice against drug dealers, and also for demeaning President Obama — is credited with a high-pressure campaign against militant groups that includes land, air and sea operations.