JTF Sulu recovers the cadaver of beheaded German

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 5, 2017) - After several days of search and retrieval operations, the joint efforts finally paid off as elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 under the Joint Task Force Sulu,  recovered the cadaver of Juergen Gustav Kantner in Sitio Talibang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu at 6pm yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that JTF Sulu under Colonel Cirilito Sobejana immediately requested for the Scene of the Crime Operative (SOCO) Sulu  to conduct site preservation for evidence and post mortem procedure after troops cordoned the area where the cadaver was found.

Cpt. Petinglay said, the remains of Kantner shall be kept at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital Morgue while completing the documentary requirements prior to transport.

"We will coordinate with the appropriate offices for the disposition of the remains of the victim", says MGen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr, Commander, WestMinCom.

"Once again, the command is sending its deep regrets to the family for not being able to rescue MrKantner on time and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family, he said.

"Rest assured that the AFP and the entire WestMinCom will maximize all means and efforts to rescue the remaining kidnapped victims.", MGen. Galvez added.

Kantner was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu last February 26, 2017 after almost 4 months with his kidnappers. During the search and retrieval operations, about 2 dozen troops were wounded during series of encounters with the ASG in Sulu Province that has also left 16 Abu Sayyafs killed, 6 wounded and 4 apprehended.