Abu Sayaf Kidnaps 3 Teachers in Philippines

The terrorist group Abu Sayaf, responsible for the kidnapping of three Red Cross workers earlier this year, is now threatening to behead three grade-school teachers they have abducted. Via GMA News:

MANILA, Philippines - After beheading last weekend a farmer it took hostage, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan province has threatened to behead three teachers it is holding if ransom wouldn’t be paid for their release.

Radio dzXL reported Tuesday the bandits would start the executions in 15 days' time.

The report quoted government's Task Force Trillium, the group organized to deal with the hostage crisis in the province, as saying the bandits made the ultimatum through one Den Mungkay, said to be from the special operations group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Still held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf are Rafael Mayonada, Quizon Freirez and Jeannette delos Reyes, all of the Landang Gua Elementary School on Sacol Island in Zamboanga City.

Please pray for the protection and rescue of these hostages, and for the continued safety of Red Cross worker Eugenio Vagni, still held in captivity after his two colleagues, Mary Jean Lacaba and Andreas Notter, were rescued earlier this month.