China Reiterates Not to Pay Ransom to Philippine KidnappersWang Luo, spokesman of Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stressed again on August 28 that China insists on not to pay ransom to Philippine kidnappers.Before his declaration, head of the Philippine kidnapping gang known as "Pentagon" on August 27 threatened the Chinese Embassy again, saying should the Chinese government not give them US$ 4 million for ransom, they would have the two hostages beheaded. Philippine president Arroyo is scheduled to meet Chinese ambassador Wang Chungui, ensuring him that Philippine is taking measures to try to set one Chinese hostage free. Tiglao, president spokesman said that talks between president Arroyo and ambassador Wang will be held some time in this week. He said that President would tell Wang secretly about the action taken by the Philippine government and guarantee that the government attaches great attention to the kidnapping. Tiglao also said that Philippine military has received order to be on double alertness, particularly when encountering with those kidnappers to make sure hostages' safety. At the memorial meeting held for those victims August 28, Wang Chungui urged the Philippine to set free Chinese hostage so soon as possible. He denounced the gang's brutality and detestableness and the murdering of the two Chinese hostages has caused irretrievable injury to their families, friends and colleagues. Wang also expressed that relationship between China and the Philippines should not be ruined to this end, because the Philippine people are friendly towards Chinese people. Philippine military side announced August 28 that they have sent another troop to irrigation project area to ensure the safety of the 60 Chinese workers. By PD Online staff member Li Yan |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |