JOLO, Philippines (20 August 2000) -- Three Malaysian hostages are finally free after 119 days in captivity but Muslim rebels have reneged on their agreement to release a dozen European and South African hostages. All of the hostages were to have been freed on Saturday but the rebels backed out of the deal saying they feared an attack by the military who are on high alert near the rebel camp. The rebels released the three Malaysians, including Sipadan divemaster Ken Yin Fong Ken, resort cook Kua Yu Loong and forest ranger Basilius Jim, on Friday night but they were not able to get out of the jungle until Sunday morning. When the remaining hostages will be freed is now unclear. Libya negotiated the deal to end the crisis but has harshly criticized the Philippine government in the wake of the collapse. | | Libya has threatened to withdraw from the negotiations if the Philippine government does not soften its stand against the guerrillas. Angry officials in Manila told Libya they were free to go. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
