Aug. 18, 2000, Philippine Headline News, Sayyaf, Gov't Disagree on French Journalists’ Release,

Aug. 18, 2000, Philippine Headline News, Sayyaf, Gov't Disagree on French Journalists’ Release,

Jolo,  - The Abu Sayyaf group of bandits has not agreed to release the hostages in one batch, and would like to keep three members of a French TV crew even after the 9 Western hostages abducted from Malaysia are released.

"They don't want to release the three French journalists," said Parouk Hussain, a member of the negotiating panel. Another negotiator said: "President Estrada has told us not to go in unless we can get all of them. All or nothing."

It was not immediately clear why the rebels did not want to release the journalists, but some sources said the kidnappers were worried the military would move in once they gave up the hostages.

Expected to be released in the first batach were a South African couple, two French, two Finns, three Malaysians, two Germans, a Filipino and a Lebanese who were among 21 holiday makers kidnapped from Sipadan, Malaysia on April 23.

"The weather's been so bad and the visibility is near zero," said Sulu Governor Tan.

Aside from the Sipadan group and the three French journalists, the Abu Sayyaf is holding 12 Filipino TV evangelists. The Abu Sayyaf is also believed to be holding 11 Japanese and Taiwanese fishermen abducted in Sabah, Malaysia last week.

Sources familiar with the Abu Sayyaf said the fishermen are being held in Patikul town by Abu Sayyaf leaders Khadaffy Janjalani and Raddulan Sahiron. Latest reports indicated some of the captives are in Samak village in nearby Talipao town.

Tan said the original Sipadan hostages might be freed on Friday "and we want everybody released all at the same time."

But the Abu Sayyaf is unlikely to release hostages on a Friday which is a Muslim day of prayer.

Tan said: "The Philippine government would like the hostages released all together. We do not want just the Malaysians, not just the Caucasians, but all ... The rebels have to free all the hostages. We have put so much time into this hostage crisis, now we have to refocus our attention on our people and for the government to attend to more important functions."

"Once all the hostages are freed, then the government could take appropriate action," Tan said but did not elaborate.

Press Secretary Ricardo Puno, asked if government will launch operations against the Abu Sayyaf after the release of all the hostages, said: "Let me put it this way, their life will not be all that comfortable."

He also said the kidnappers' request for an orange, a mango, and a coffee plantation may not be granted.

"They probably won't get it ... let's face it, they are common criminals, they are no better than any other kidnappers," he said.

Envoys from South Africa, Germany, France and Finland had prepared to leave from Manila for Zamboanga City to receive the captives who are nationals of their countries. Plans were for the hostages, accompanied by their ambassadors, to be flown to Tripoli then be formally handed over to their governments.

Libya has organized a major initiative to get the hostages released and former Libyan Ambassador Azzarouq is a key negotiator.