A Canadian hostage has been beheaded by Islamist militants just hours after a ransom deadline expired. John Ridsdel, 68, was one of four tourists captured by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines in September 2015.
A severed head was found on a remote Philippine island on Monday, just five hours after the deadline for a $6.4million ransom set by the terrorists expired.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed Mr Ridsdel's death and condemned the execution, calling it "an act of cold-blooded murder."
He said: "Canada condemns without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers and this unnecessary death. This was an act of cold-blooded murder and responsibility rests squarely with the terrorist group who took him hostage.
"The government of Canada is committed to working with the government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for this heinous act."
Trudeau declined to respond when asked whether the Canadian government had tried to negotiate with the captors or pay a ransom, or whether it was trying to secure the release of the other Canadian being held, Robert Hall.
