DATE=9/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266380
BYLINE=KONRAD MULLER
DATELINE=MANILA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Three Malaysians abducted Sunday from a diving
resort off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, have been
taken to the southern Philippine island, Jolo -- the
stronghold of the Islamic extremist Abu Sayyaf group.
As Konrad Muller reports from Manila, Philippine
authorities are growing impatient with a group of
rebels who have perpetrated multiple kidnappings since
April.
TEXT: Philippine officials confirmed Tuesday the three
Malaysians seized from Pandanan Island had arrived on
Jolo island. Provincial Police Chief Candido Casimio
says the abductors arrived with their hostages Monday.
They have since been joined by hundreds of armed men
acting as guards in the vicinity of Talipao.
The leader of the hostage operation is said to be
Commander Eping Agha -- a cousin of Mujib Susukan, one
of two Abu Sayyaf leaders who for months held 21
mainly-foreign captives. They were seized in April
from Sipadan, another Malaysian diving resort. Except
one Filipino, those hostages have all now been
released -- reportedly after up to 15 million dollars
in ransom was paid.
With the new batch of hostages reaching Jolo, there
are signs Philippine authorities are growing impatient
with the process of resolving the crisis through
peaceful means.
In nearby Zamboanga City -- on the main southern
island, Mindanao -- marines and navy landing craft are
reported to be on standby. Ronaldo Zamora, President
Estrada's most senior advisor, has said Manila needs
to stop the hostage business, once and for all.
That mood was further sharpened by reports some female
hostages, now released, were raped in captivity. The
claim was made on Finnish television by Risto Vahanen,
a Finn who was one of four Europeans freed Saturday,
following Libyan mediation.
Various Abu Sayyaf factions on Jolo still hold two
French television journalists, 12 Filipino Christian
evangelists and one American -- all kidnapped
separately since the hostage saga started in April.
(Signed)
NEB/HK/KM/GC/WD
12-Sep-2000 05:22 AM LOC (12-Sep-2000 0922 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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