Canada believes Canadian hostage killed in Philippines

FILE - This file image made from undated militant video, shows Canadians Robert Hall, left, and John Ridsdel, right. Police found a severed head in the southern Philippines on Monday, June 13, 2016, and are examining whether it belonged to Canadian hostage Robert Hall, who is believed to have been beheaded by Abu Sayyaf militants after a ransom deadline passed, officials said. Ridsdel was beheaded in April. (Militant Video via AP Video, File) NO SALES, MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government has "compelling reason to believe" that a second Canadian held hostage in the Philippines has been killed by his captors.

Trudeau said in a statement Monday that Robert Hall was likely killed, and the Canadian government is working with authorities in the Philippines to confirm his death.

The apparent death comes less than two months after Abu Sayyaf militants beheaded Canadian John Ridsdel in the southern Philippine province of Sulu after a ransom demand of 300 million pesos ($6.3 million) was not paid.

Trudeau reiterated Monday that Canada will not pay ransom that would endanger the lives of more Canadians.

The Abu Sayyaf has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the Philippines.