ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (30 April 2000) -- A freelance journalist, Arlyn de la Cruz, who visited the 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan reported that they are weak, do not have enough food and some are suffering from diarrhea. The hostages are being held in the mountainous area of Talipao in Sulu Province by Philippine Muslim rebels who are demanding fulfillment of a 1976 agreement that provides for an autonomous region in the southwest part of the Philippines. Negotiations for the release of the hostages stalled after Abu Sayyaf commander Galib Andang refused to negotiate with anyone other than ambassadors from the hostages' countries. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
