Catholic bishops have joined the voices of other leaders in condemning the killing of a Malaysian businessman by Abu Sayyaf terror group in Mindanao.
Bishops Martin Jumoad of Isabela in Basilan and Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel in South Cotabato said acts of terrorism must be deplored in the strongest terms and all available measures be taken to stamp them out.
“This is sad news when life is curtailed because of the failure to pay ransom,” Jumoad said in a statement posted at the CBCP website.
Gutierrez said the beheading of Bernard Then, held captive since May by the Al Qaeda-linked group, is “immoral and inhuman act”.
“When all diplomatic means are exhausted, the government must use the final option,” Jumoad said.
Then was reportedly killed in Indanan town of Sulu island Wednesday afternoon.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said he was “shocked and sickened” at the killing and called on Philippine authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We will also extend our full cooperation to relevant agencies and authorities in charge on the investigation of this incident,” Razak said on his Facebook page.