With the release of Filipina Marites Flor today, news has come that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has possibly negotiated the release of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.
In a report by the Inquirer news, the Norwegian Ambassador, Erik Forner thanked Duterte for ‘what you are doing’ for his help in negotiating the release of his countryman.
Duterte and Forner met at the Presidential Guest House at at the Malacañang of the South in Davao City.
Upon her release, Marites Flor said: “He really need help. I am so sorry Kjartan is not here.”
During the meeting Duterte said he was able to negotiate the release of Sekkingstad saying: “We were able to negotiate but apparently the kidnapped Norwegian hasn’t yet crossed the sea because of the rough seas, I was told.”
Duterte went on to say: “I don’t know if it is true, hopefully Allah will have mercy, he will be released in a short time.”
In a speech at the turnover of command at the Davao City Police on Friday, Duterte told the group and those in attendance that ‘the series of kidnappings of the Abu Sayyaf Group has tarnished the image of the Philippines, and this must stop.’
He also said there would be “a day of reckoning” for the terrorist group.
Duterte said earlier in the month that he may declare Martial Law to gain control of the regions of Sulu which have brought a ‘black eye’ to the nation.