The Philippine National Police (PNP) said its crime laboratory has confirmed that a severed head found on the island of Jolo June 13 is that of Canadian Robert Hall who was executed by the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf.
“The match, undoubtedly confirms the identity of the severed head as belonging to Mr. Robert Hall,” the National Police said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
WATCH: Prime Minister Trudeau confirms Canadian Robert Hall has been executed
The PNP said samples taken from the head matched the DNA profile of Hall supplied by Canadian authorities.
Hall was captured by the militant group in September 2015 with three others, including fellow Canadian John Ridsdel, and was killed after a ransom deadline passed. Ridsdel was also executed by the militant group in April.
READ MORE: Friends remember Robert Hall, 2nd Canadian executed by Abu Sayyaf
Hall was born in Calgary but lived in several parts of Western Canada. He was remembered by his friends as a man who had a “zest for life.”
“He was a very passionate man with a real zest for life who loved learning new things and experiencing new adventures,” Donna, who asked that her last name not be used, told Global News.
- Suspect in killing of temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar got student visa in ‘days’
- Cruise ship worker arrested, accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors
- RFK Jr. said worm ate part of his brain, died inside his head: 2012 deposition
- Effort to oust U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly rejected by lawmakers
“When Bob was interested in something, he didn’t waste any time learning the new skill. When he said he was going to do something, he didn’t just talk about it, he did it.”
READ MORE: Family of slain hostage Robert Hall backs Canada’s policy not to pay ransom
Following the killings of Hall and Ridsdel, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained steadfast on the policy that ransom money should not be paid to kidnappers.
The Hall family said in a statement they support Canada’s position on the issue.
“Our family, even in our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada’s policy of not paying ransom to those who would seek to undermine the fundamental values with which my father lived his life,” the statement reads.
“A romantic to the very core, Robert believed in controlling his own destiny, and that hard work and a desire to succeed were the two main ingredients to any successful endeavour.”
Comments