/ 12 July 2000

PHILIPPINE HOSTAGE CRISIS COULD END SOON

A MUSLIM rebel chief holding 20 mostly foreign hostages told the government he is ready to resolve the nearly three-month-long hostage crisis, the Philippines’ chief negotiator said on Tuesday. Presidential adviser Roberto Aventajado, head of Manila’s negotiating team, said rebel commander Galib Andang called him using the satellite phone of a three-member French television crew whom the guerrillas were also holding hostage.