TALIPAO, Philippines (9 Sep 2000) -- Muslim bandits have freed four European hostages after 139 days in captivity. Of the original group of 21 dive tourists and hotel staff abducted from Sipadan Island, only Roland Ullah, a diving instructor, remains captive. Abu Sayyaf rebels are also holding two French television crew kidnapped in July, an American kidnapped in late August and over a dozen Filipino evangelists. Libya put up the $4m for those set free today and paid another $6m for six hostages released earlier. The latest hostage release was delayed after a rebel faction ambushed government emissaries who were carrying a large ransom. | | Sipadan hostages One bodyguard was killed and several others were wounded. None of the hostages was injured. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
