JOLO, Philippines (11 June 2000) -- Seven weeks after Muslim rebels abducted 21 dive travelers and hotel staff from Sipadan Island, there has been no significant progress if efforts to free the hostages. Despite frequent announcements of impending breakthroughs by government officials, there has been just one meeting between negotiators and rebel leaders since hostages were abducted almost two months ago. The Abu Sayyaf rebels who are holding the hostages captive in the jungle, are demanding an independent Islamic state, a demand the Philippine government will not consider. There have also been reports that the rebels have demanded a ransom of $21 million for the release of all 21 hostages. | | Sipadan hostages Doctors who have examined the captives report that four are seriously ill and in need of immediate hospitalization. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
