THOUSANDS of civilians have been trapped by a relentless Philippine military assault on Muslim rebel hostage takers on Jolo island in the southern Philippines. Food and water are scarce and the wounded cannot be taken to hospital because of a military cordon around the area of operations. An American being held by Muslim kidnappers has been seen alive and some of the other 21 hostages have also been sighted since a military onslaught began, officials said. Armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Generoso Senga said despite sightings of the hostages, ”up to now we have not been able to catch up with them (kidnappers).” He reported only seven rebels killed and 20 captured, despite the massive firepower and 4 000 troops deployed, and indicated for the first time that some may have slipped into nearby Basilan island. – Reuters