THE Abu Sayyaf group has beheaded an 18-year-old Filipino hostage it kidnapped in Jolo, Sulu last July 16.

Severed head believed to be of kidnapped victim Patrick Almodovar, 18, was recovered by the police in Indanan, Sulu around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Felimon Tan.

Tan said authorities found the head wrapped in a plastic bag after it was left behind by three men onboard a motorcycle.

Reports said the beheading was carried out after Almodovar's family failed to meet the bandit's P1 million ransom demand.

Almodovar was kidnapped in Barangay Asturias in Jolo, Sulu last July 16. (Sunnex)