TALIPAO, Philippines (2 Oct 2000) -- The Philippine army has rescued 12 members of the Jesus Miracle Crusade held hostage by Muslim bandits since July. One of the hostages, Fernando Solon, escaped while rebels were on the run from oncoming troops. With information from Solon, the 59th infantry battalion caught up with the rebels and engaged them in a short battle. Five minutes after the shooting started, the rebels fled into the jungle leaving behind the hostages. Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding five hostages including Sipadan dive instructor, Roland Ullah, Pandanan Island dive resort staff, Mohamed Noor Salaiman, Joseph Ongkinoh and Kang Wei Chong. | | Sipadan hostages The fifth hostage, American Jeffrey Schilling, is also thought to be held against his will but there have been reports that Schilling is an arms dealer who had been selling military equipment to the rebels. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
