Philippine Govt Welcomes Malaysian Hostages' ReleaseThe Philippine government on Friday welcomed the release of four Malaysian hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, saying that it continues to work to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages.Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora also made it clear in a press statement that the government continues to stick to its no- ransom policy, belying speculations that money changed hands during the Malaysians' release. Chief government negotiator Robert Aventajado confirmed the release of the hostages, saying that the four Malaysians were released early Friday morning. Earlier, the Abu Sayyaf also released two Malaysians and a German. The freed seven hostages were among the total number of 21 hostages abducted by the extremist Abu Sayyaf on April 23 from Malaysian resort of Sipadan and then moved to Sulu. "We are hopeful in the next few days we may have a breakthrough. But we don't want to do anything to (negatively) affect the course of the negotiations," Zamora said. Zamora said the government does not discount the possibility of third parties negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf, but reiterated that they do not have the government's approval. "That's without our knowledge and certainly without our cooperation," he said. Zamora pointed out that the governments of the European hostages have promised to support the Philippine government's no- ransom policy. "They said they will not do anything to violate the no-ransom policy," he said. |
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