JOLO, Philippines (6 Sep 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf Muslim terrorists are now promising to release all Sipadan hostages and two members of a French television crew on Friday. The Sipadan hostages including four dive tourists and one Filipino hotel staff have been held deep in the jungle of the southern Philippines for 136 days. The two French television crew were abducted in July. Sixteen other people who were kidnapped from a Sipadan Island diving resort on April 23 have already been released in exchange for huge ransom payments totaling over $10.5m. The rebels have used the money to buy arms and expand their militia from 200 to over 1000. | | Sipadan hostages Officials fear the huge ransom payments will lead to more kidnappings in the region. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
