"Thank you to President Duterte", Norwegian captive releases by the Abu Sayyaf

The Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad captive of Abu Sayyaf Group has been released of on Saturday at 4 in the afternoon.

Sekkingstad was a hostage for almost a year. He was released through the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Tahil Sali.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said he will 'fly him out of Jolo tomorrow morning.'

"Men of Misuari and former [Sulu] governor Sakur Tan and other volunteers helped in the release," Dureza said.

Dureza said the first thing the Norwegian said to him was "Thank you to President Duterte."

According to the report, Sekkingstad will stay overnight at the house of MNLF founder Nur Misuari in Barangay Kagay, also in Patikul town.

Also, Dureza said they did their part to the release of the hostage,"capped months of quiet, patient but determine efforts with the assistance of all sectors."

Sekkingstad was abducted together with Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel and Filipina Marites Flor. Unfortunately, Hall and Ridsdel were beheaded, while Flor was released last June 24.