DATE=7/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES (L)
NUMBER=2-264643
BYLINE=KONRAD MULLER
DATELINE=MANILA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In the southern Philippines, the Islamic
extremist Abu Sayyaf group has freed four more
Malaysian hostages, but 33 people remain captive. As
Konrad Muller reports from Manila, it is the latest
sign that the three-month old hostage drama may be
winding down.
TEXT: Looking worn, the four Malaysians were freed on
Jolo island early Friday and flown to Manila to be met
by the Malaysian ambassador.
They were among the 21 mostly foreign hostages taken
from a Malaysian diving resort in April.
A total of seven people had been expected to be
released - all Malaysians. But local media sources
suggest that plan was scotched due to squabbling among
the rebels about ransom.
It is reported the rebel leaders were seeking several
hundred thousand dollars for each Malaysian released.
But the Malaysian government denies paying any ransom.
/// OPT /// A leading Philippine newspaper has also
quoted unidentified sources as claiming that around
one million dollars was paid for the freedom of the
57-year old German, Renate Wallert. Sick with
hypertension, she was released Monday, the first
western hostage freed. /// END OPT ///
The Philippine government has also denied that any
money has been paid for the releases, stressing its
no-ransom policy. But government negotiators have been
authorized to discuss giving development aid to
impoverished southern districts - where Abu Sayyaf is
rooted.
The recent releases have given renewed hope that the
three-month long ordeal is now moving toward a
peaceful solution. /// OPT /// A sixteen year old
Filipino boy, abducted separately, was also released
Thursday. /// END OPT ///
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding an estimated 33
hostages. In addition to the remaining 14 largely
foreign nationals taken from Malaysia, the captives
are thought to include 13 Filipino Christian
evangelists, one German and three French journalists,
and two Philippine schoolteachers.
The Abu Sayyaf appears to have dropped an earlier
demand for an independent Islamic state in the south
of the country. It is allegedly seeking one million
dollars for each of the nine remaining western
hostages.
NEB/HK/KM/JO/PLM
21-Jul-2000 02:15 AM EDT (21-Jul-2000 0615 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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