DATE=9/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES UPDATE - L
NUMBER=2-266719
BYLINE=KONRAD MULLER
DATELINE=MANILA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
// EDS: NEW INFO IN INTRO, CUTS GRAF IN TEXT. NEW
INFO ON CASUALTIES SHOULD BE UPDATEDI N INTRO AS
NEEDED. //
INTRO: Thousands of civilians are fleeing an intensive
government assault on Muslim rebels holding 19
hostages in the southern Philippines. The military
operation, which began early Saturday, has so far
claimed the lives of four civilians and six Abu Sayyaf
rebels. Konrad Muller reports from Manila on the
government's efforts to end months of kidnappings by
the rebels.
TEXT: A news blackout on operations remains in place,
and communications links to Jolo have also been cut,
making any picture sketchy. Nevertheless, Philippine
officials say, that contrary to earlier reports, all
19 hostages being held by the Abu Sayyaf are thought
to be alive. Concerns have also been expressed for the
safety of civilians at the center of the fighting.
The Philippine army launched an intense mortar and
aerial assault on rebel positions early Saturday to
end a five-month series of abductions and ransom
demands.
Local media report Abu Sayyaf commanders have
retreated to mountainous terrain to get greater
protection from being bombed. Mujib Susukan and Galib
Andang - also known as Commander Robot - are said to
be hidden in a cave, with an estimated 200 gunmen.
The Philippine military says the operation will take
at least a week. President Joseph Estrada has ordered
the Abu Sayyaf should be destroyed as well as the
hostages rescued.
The Abu Sayyaf, which says it wants an independent
Muslim state in the southern Philippines - has made a
business out of kidnapping local residents in recent
years. But the rebels burst on to the international
scene in April when they crossed into Malaysia and
took 21 hostages. Since then they have released their
captives in small groups after reported ransom
payments totaling 15 millions dollars. They have also
taken additional hostages.
The most recent kidnappings from another Malaysian
resort last week - appear to have been the last straw
from the Philippine government.
After five months of difficult talks with the Abu
Sayyaf and intense international scrutiny, President
Estrada ordered the military attack late last week.
The 19 hostages include 13 Filipinos, three
Malaysians, two French and one American.(Signed)
NEB/HK/KM/JO
18-Sep-2000 06:07 AM LOC (18-Sep-2000 1007 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
