| RENEWED
HOPE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN HOSTAGES IN PHILIPPINES CAPE TOWN, South Africa (PANA) -
The South African government is encouraged by the measures taken by the Philippines
government and the rebel hostage-takers to expedite the peaceful resolution of the hostage
crisis in that country.
Two South Africans, Johan and
Monique Strydom are among a group of 21 hostages seized by Abu Sayyaf rebels from a
Malaysian diving resort on 23 April and brought to Jolo in the Philippines where they are
still being held captive.
The rebels have freed six
Malaysians and an elderly German woman from the group.
The Abu Sayyaf is one of two
groups fighting for an Islamic state in the south of the mainly Roman Catholic
Philippines.
The Department of Foreign
Affairs said the release of the Malaysian hostages augurs well for a speedy resolution to
the three-month long hostage drama.
"However we are still
concerned about the safety, security and general well-being of all the remaining hostages
and therefore reiterate the call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the
remaining hostages.
The South African Government
remains committed to taking all necessary steps in co-operation and consultation with
affected Governments to bring about a speedy and final resolution of this matter,"
said Foreign Affairs spokesman Dumisani Rasheleng.
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