TALIPAO, Philippines (18 May 2000) -- Over a month after dive travellers and hotel staff were abducted from a Sipadan dive resort, Philippine rebels finally started formal talks with government negotiators. The government negotiation team went into the jungle to meet the rebels and also met with the hostages. Chief negotiator Roberto Aventajada reassured the hostages that the Philippine government is working for their release. The rebels are demanding an independent Islamic state and a commission to investigate alleged abuses against Philippine Muslims in the Sabah, Malaysia. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
