DATE=9/9/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES RELEASED (L UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-266302
BYLINE=KONRAD MULLER
DATELINE=MANILA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Islamic extremists in the Philippines have
released four European hostages kidnapped more
than four months ago. Konrad Muller reports from
Manila that the releases came despite grave
security difficulties on the southern Philippine
island of Jolo.
TEXT: The four hostages arrived by helicopter
Saturday in Zamboanga City on the main southern
island of Mindanao. They were turned over to
their country's ambassadors by the Philippine
government's chief negotiator, Roberto
Aventajado.
The four -- Frenchman Stephane Loisy, Finns Seppo
Fraenti and Risto Vahanen, along with Marc
Wallert of Germany -- were the last remaining
Western hostages from 21 people originally
abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen from the Malaysian
diving resort of Sipadan on April 23rd.
The hostages were brought to safety by helicopter
because of serious concerns about security on
Jolo island. Earlier in the day, gunmen ambushed
the government's intermediaries while they were
en route to the Abu Sayyaf camp. At least one of
their bodyguards was reportedly killed and five
others wounded in the shootout that followed.
The identity of the attackers was not immediately
known. Jolo island is home to numerous armed
gangs, and local officials say rivalries have
sharpened with the millions of dollars in ransom
the hostage saga has reportedly yielded.
Libya figured prominently in the latest releases,
as it has in resolving other kidnappings.
Tripoli's special envoy to the hostage
negotiations, Rajab Azzarouq, this week pledged
that eight to ten million dollars in development
aid would be paid. But local media reported Libya
was offering at least four million dollars in
ransom.
The Abu Sayyaf group continues to hold one
Filipino seized from Sipadan, as well as two
French television journalists and 12 Filipino
Christian evangelists, all kidnapped while
visiting the original hostages.
An American, Jeffrey Schilling, was also abducted
last week during a visit to the camp of another
Abu Sayyaf faction on Jolo. Mr. Schilling's
captors are said to be demanding 10-million
dollars for his release. (Signed)
NEB/KM/PFH/
09-Sep-2000 06:44 AM EDT (09-Sep-2000 1044 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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