TALIPAO, Philippines (10 Oct 2000) -- Muslim rebels holding five hostages including four dive staff from Malaysian dive resorts are being pushed deeper into the jungle by the army. "They have no food, no medicine and nowhere to hide," said military commander, Lieutenant General Diomedio Villanueva. Villanueva added that the rebels have indicated they may be willing to surrender: "We expect them to come out in due time and we are willing to receive them as they turn themselves in." Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding Sipadan dive instructor, Roland Ullah, Pandanan Island dive resort staff, Mohamed Noor Salaiman, Joseph Ongkinoh and Kang Wei Chong. | | Abu Sayyaf 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 has been selling military equipment to the rebels. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
