Philippine Military To Reduce Troops In Hostage
Rescue
MANILA (AP)--The Philippines'
military chief of staff said Tuesday he plans to reduce the number of troops deployed to
rescue hostages held by Muslim extremist rebels on a southern Philippine island.
Gen. Angelo Reyes said the
situation on Jolo island has stabilized after 14 of 19 hostages were recovered by soldiers
since the rescue operation began Sept. 16.
Troops are still searching for
three Malaysians, an American and one Filipino being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf
rebels.
More than 5,000 soldiers and
police were deployed to Jolo for the rescue operation, which included air and artillery
bombardment of rebel positions.
About 600 members of the police
Special Action Force have already been pulled out.
The military said 136 rebels
and five soldiers have died in 76 encounters since the rescue began. In addition, 124
rebels have been captured and 83 have surrendered, the military said.
Sporadic clashes between troops
and rebels continue. Monday, soldiers encountered about 20 Abu Sayyaf members led by
Ghalib "Robot" Andang, who, along with Mujib Susukan, received about $15 million
in ransom for a group of hostages seized in April from the Malaysian resort of Sipadan,
according to negotiators.
Soldiers recovered ammunition,
food and personal belongings from the rebels after an hour's clash, but no casualties were
reported.
The Abu Sayyaf says it is
fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines, but the military
regards it as a bandit gang.
Back to Sipadan/Pandanan Hostages News
Back
to This Week's Borneo News |
