| MILITARY OPTION
RULED OUT IN FREEING REMAINING HOSTAGES MANILA, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Philippine government has ruled out using
the military to free the remaining 20 hostages still in the hands of Abu Sayyaf separatist
gunmen in the hinterlands of Sulu, an official said Tuesday.
Press Secretary Ricardo Puno told a press briefing that the government was doing
everything within its power to bring an early end to the hostage situation.
"We are trying to do it as quickly as possible and we are not going to do the armed
option.
"The military option is not even being thought of at this time because it will only
become a recipe for disaster," he said.
Puno said even if no formal negotiations are taking place, the lines of communication have
remained open for the release of the balance of the hostages.
A Malaysian, Zulkarnain Hashim, was released last Thursday, the first hostage to gain
freedom since the April 23 kidnapping in Sipadan, Malaysia.
Puno also advised the members of the press, particularly the foreign correspondents, not
to give the Abu Sayyaf undue publicity.
"The Abu Sayyaf is only after publicity," he added.
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