UPDATE Security forces confirm beheading of Canadian hostage

Military and police authorities confirmed Tuesday that Canadian John Ridsel, one of the four hostages taken by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits on Sept. 21, 2015 in Samal, Davao Del Norte, was beheaded by his captors.

"We extend our sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits," the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police said in a joint statement forwarded by AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.