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10 hostages freed in the Philippines

0 CommentsPrint E-mail CCTV, December 12, 2009
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In Philippines, where armed tribesmen have released 10 more hostages. In exchange, they are demanding that criminal cases against them be dropped. They also want members of a rival group to surrender.

57 hostages were taken from an elementary school and nearby homes on Mindanao Island on Thursday. The abductors freed 18 captives, including 17 children, later that afternoon, following negotiations. Nine more hostages were returned to their families on Friday. But some of the freed women say they are worried about their husbands, who are still being held captive on a remote hill.

Berly Dolorito, a released hostage, said, "I'm not completely relieved, because my husband is still there."

Some released hostages say the armed men did not harm them, but warned everyone not to attempt any escapes.

The leader of the armed tribal group, Ondo Perez, is demanding that all criminal charges be dropped, in exchange for the release of the other captives.

Ondo Perez, Leader of Armed Group Holding Hodtages, said, "We will surrender if charges against us are dropped. We want members of our rival group to surrender too."

The group also wants the police to disarm rivals from the same tribe.

The chief negotiator says she is confident the hostages will be back with their families in a few days. She adds that Philippine authorities are trying to resolve the problem peacefully.

 

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