AN Australian man kidnapped in the Phillipines in 2011 has appeared in a video message, saying he has given up hope of being released.
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Warren Rodwell, from Sydney was taken from his Southern Phillipines home by suspected Muslim extremists on December 5, 2011.
It was believed he was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group, which he confirms in the new video, posted on a YouTube channel linked to the extremist group.
In the one minute and 57 second clip, Mr Rodwell says the date is December 16, 2012 and holds a newspaper from the previous day.
He last appeared in a video released by his captors in May.
At that time he was taken ransom of $US23,000 was demanded from Mr Rodwell's new Filipino wife.
Mr Rodwell's Tamworth cousin who wishes to be known only as Susan, said in an interview with The Leader in October that while nothing was known about his condition, she still held hope for his survival.
"He had a tough upbringing and his military training would have equipped him with determination and resilience," she said.
"We are all hopeful that those qualities will in some way wear down his captors."
"We hoped that at that time he would be home in time for Christmas," Susan said.