| KIDNAPPERS
READY TO TALK: CHIEF EMISSARY JOLO, Philippines, May 10 (Bernama) -- The armed group which is holding 21
people, including nine Malaysians here after kidnapping them from Sipadan island on April
23 have sent word that they are ready to meet with the negotiating team anytime Wednesday.
Chief government emissary Ibrahim Ghazali told reporters this at the residence of the Sulu
Governor here.
"We will ask them what they want and we will ask them if possible to release the sick
German woman," he said, referring to Renate Wallert, who is suffering from
hypertension.
Ibrahim also said the negotiating team would request to see all the victims -- nine
Malaysians, three Germans, two French, two South Africans, two Finns, two Filipinos and
one Lebanese.
He said he was informed by the Philippine chief negotiator Nur Misuari last night that
Malaysian doctors would be arriving in Zamboanga today.
Meanwhile, the provincial health officer Dr Nelsa Amin told reporters she would try to
free Wallert as well as a French citizen who is also suffering from serious health problem
from their abductors.
She would bring along oxygen tanks, food rations, assorted medicine and surgical equipment
in case some of the victims suffered from trauma.
A surgeon and members of the Philippine Red Cross would also accompany her.
Asked what would happen if she could not get the sick victims out, she said: "I will
be down hearted because I know she (Wallert) is in a very critical situation and we should
pity the patient."
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