Noel Esconde, a fishing boat captain, was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf last week. Photo from Vilma Sepulvida

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur - The family of the Filipino boat captain beheaded by terror group Abu Sayyaf last week continues to hope he would come home alive, even as they appealed for financial support from the government.

The family of Noel Esconde, who was beheaded by the Abu Sayaff on Thursday, is preparing for a nine-day prayer and vigil even while his remains have yet to be found.

Vilma Sepulvida, Esconde's sister, said the family still hopes he would come home alive. She said they have not seen the video of his beheading or his remains.

Ludreca Leones, mother of captive Roel Leones, Esconde's cousin, is also hopeful that her son is still alive. The family has not spoken to him and has not negotiated with the Abu Sayyaf since the abduction in December last year.

The family said they were duped three days before Esconde's beheading, having sent over P300,000 pesos through money transfer to one of the victims' in-laws who vouched for Leones' safe release.

The family is calling on authorities to investigate and on the government to financially support Esconde's widow and children.