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New York, August 16, 2000 --- Three French journalists kidnapped
by Islamic separatist rebels on the southern Philippine island of
Jolo may be released tomorrow (August 17) along with the remaining
hostages, chief government negotiator Roberto Aventajado told The
Associated Press today.
Reporter Maryse Burgot, cameraman Jean-Jacques Le Garrec, and sound
engineer Roland Madura of France 2 Broadcasting were kidnapped by
Abu Sayyaf rebels on July 9, while reporting on the hostage crisis
that began with the abduction of 21 people from a Malaysian diving
resort on April 23.
News of the France 2 team's possible release contradicted reports
earlier in the week that government negotiators did not expect the
journalists to be released with the others.
CPJ sources have expressed the fear that the Abu Sayyaf may keep some
hostages to use as human shields against an anticipated assault by
the Philippine military.
The Abu Sayyaf have received a total of US$5.5 million in ransom payments
for the hostages released so far, according to The Associated Press,
and have reportedly used the money to buy arms and recruit more men
to strengthen their defenses.
France 2 did not comment on whether the company had received any ransom
demands.
CPJ has documented the following kidnappings of journalists on Jolo
since June 1:
- On June 2, ten foreign journalists were held for 10 hours until
they pooled together their own funds to pay a US$25,000 ransom.
- On July 2, Der Spiegel reporter Andreas Lorenz was kidnapped
by a splinter faction of the Abu Sayyaf. Lorenz, who had been among
the group held on June 2, was released on July 27.
- On July 9, three France 2 journalists were abducted. The Philippine
government is currently negotiating their release.
- On July 24, two Filipino journalists, ABS-CBN cameraman Val Cuenca
and researcher/writer Maan Macapagal, were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf
guerrillas. They were released on Saturday, July 29, reportedly
after the intervention of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulon Sajiron, whose
nephew's faction had kidnapped them.
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