Singapore strongly condemns the killing of a Malaysian hostage by the Abu Sayyaf group, and urged the international community to work closely to counter terrorism.

In response to media queries on the reported killing of Bernard Then by the group, a spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We strongly condemn the killing of Bernard Then by Abu Sayyaf. We extend
our deepest condolences to the family of Then.

"The perpetrators must be brought to justice. The international community must continue to work closely together in countering terrorism," added the spokesman.

International media reported Then, 39, was beheaded Tuesday after having been kidnapped by gunmen from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah in May.

He was reportedly killed in a secluded location believed to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines.

READ: Philippines condemns Abu Sayyaf killing of Malaysian hostage

READ: Government has done its best to free Bernard Then - Zahid