THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on Friday condemned the killing of John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf and demanded that the government bring the perpetrators to swift and heavy justice.
“We are devastated by his senseless and grisly death at the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. John did not deserve such fate,” the statement said.
The statement came as the Armed Forces mounted an all-out-offensive against the bandit group on orders of President Aquino, whose term ends in less than
two months.
Ridsdel was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf bandits, who demanded ransom for his and three other kidnap victims’ s release.
The incident is considered a big blow to the government’s campaign against lawless groups.
In a statement, COMP said Ridsdel was well-aware of the dangers he faced in the Philippines having been involved in a mining operation in Zamboanga del Norte for many years as a consultant for a local mining company.
“Despite knowing the danger, Ridsdel’s love for the Philippines prompted him to stay and retire in the country appreciating its innate beauty and believing in its people. “It is unfortunate, for all that John had given, he only encountered the darkest of what we have,” COMP added.
The group said Ridsdel’s murder must serve as a wake-up call for everyone and reawakens the commitment to help ensure peace and prosperity in Mindanao and the country as a whole.
“We condole with John’s family in this time of indescribable grief. And we are one with all countries in condemning terrorism and will continue to raise our voices against acts that impede on our freedom and our divine right to life,” the statement said.