Philippines moves hundreds of soldiers to
hostage island
JOLO, Philippines, Sept 16
(AFP) - Hundreds of Philippine soldiers backed by armoured personnel carriers arrived
early Saturday in the southern island of Jolo where Muslim extremists are holding 22
hostages, government intelligence sources said.
The soldiers arrived in Jolo
aboard a naval warship at about 5 a.m.GMT Friday) transporting some 30 military carriers
and 50 trucks, the sources and witnesses said.
The Philippine government has
been under mounting pressure to stage a military crackdown against Abu Sayyaf gunmen and
rescue the hostages.
President Joseph Estrada has
previously said that the authorities would give negoitiations with the rebels another
chance before considering a military option.
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