http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/world/asia/10briefs-Philippines.html?ref=asia

November 10, 2009
World Briefing | Asia
The Philippines: Captive Is Beheaded
By REUTERS
Muslim militants beheaded a school principal on a remote southern island in the
Philippines after holding him for ransom for three weeks, a marine general said
Monday. Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, commander of military forces in the western
part of the Mindanao region, said the victim's head was found at a gas station
on Jolo Island. "We were told the school principal was beheaded on Sunday when
the negotiations to free him bogged down," General Dolorfino said. The principal
had been kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels who had demanded about $42,000 in
ransom. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered troops to step up military
operations against Abu Sayyaf, a militant group linked to Al Qaeda and known for
kidnapping and beheading hostages. The group is mostly active on Jolo and the
nearby island of Basilan.


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