Abu Sayyaf rebels ready to release six hostages
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines -- Abu Sayyaf rebels
were prepared to release six of 12 foreign
hostages after two of their comrades were
freed by the government
Local newspapers had reported that Abu Sayyaf
leaders had earlier threatened to behead some of the
foreign hostages if the guerillas were not
released.
The two suspected rebels were caught carrying large
bags of money thought to be connected with the multimillion
dollar ransoms paid to kidnappers. They were charged with
accessory to kidnapping, but were released hours later on bail
apparently in reaction to the threats.
Abu Sayyaf commander Ghalib ""Robot'' Andang agreed to
release the remaining four female hostages and two male hostages after
hearing that his men were free.
Upon their release from a remote island in the southern
Philippines, the hostages will be flown by helicopter to
meet their ambassadors in Zamboanga. They will then board a jet
to Tripoli in Libya to meet Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as
part of the release deal.
Libya has reportedly paid over US$5 million so far for the release
of rebel-held hostages.
The group is still holding 12 European hostages including three
French journalists and 12 Filipino Christian evangelists who came
to the rebel camp to pray for the hostages.
Earlier stories
Germany reported preparing ransom for Philippine hostages
Muslim rebels may release two ailing foreign hostages
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