PATIKUL, Jolo Island (12 May 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf guerrillas broke off communication and fled deeper into the jungle after military troops entered the area where negotiators planned to meet rebel leaders. Military officials immediately pulled back troops but there are fears the mix-up could delay negotiations to free 57-year-old Renate Wallert who is extremely ill and according to other hostages, has suffered several strokes while in captivity. Government military operations have endangered the lives of the hostages and impeded efforts to convince rebels to release Wallert. The hostages have pleaded for the military to pull back so that negotiations for their release can begin. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
