MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A video clip posted on YouTube shows an Australian kidnapped in the Philippines saying he does not expect a speedy release.
Warren Rodwell was abducted from his home in the southern Philippines on Dec. 5, 2011. The clip shows him holding up a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated Dec. 15, 2012, and was posted on the internet Tuesday, GMA News reported.
He was allegedly kidnapped by members of Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim separatist group with a long history of violence.
"I do not expect to be released before the year 2013 at the earliest," Rodwell says on the video. "I personally hold no hope at all for being released. I do not trust Abu Sayyaf."
Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the Philippines military, said the video's authenticity has not been confirmed.
Rodwell, 53 when he became a captive, says he is being held in isolation with no information about what is happening outside.
"I understand there are some negotiations. I do not get any information, updated information," he said. "The people around me normally don't speak English. I understand something is happening but I don't know when."
The kidnappers initially demanded $2 million U.S. for Rodwell's release. The Australian government said they did not pay ransoms.
