Philippine Court Sentences Abu Sayyaf Members to Life for 2000 Kidnapping

Seventeen members of the Islamist group receive life sentences for the abduction of 21 tourists, including the Wallert family, from a Malaysian resort.

• 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.

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