Overview

• Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 21 people, including the German Wallert family, from a Malaysian resort in April 2000.
• The hostages were held in the Philippine jungle for several months, drawing international attention.
• Renate Wallert was released after nearly three months, followed by her husband and son in August and September 2000.
• The kidnappers were reportedly paid ransom money, allegedly from Libya, to secure the hostages' release.
• Abu Sayyaf, founded with ties to Al-Qaida, has pledged allegiance to ISIS and is known for violent acts in Southeast Asia.