Rebels release hostage in RP

Rebels release hostage in RP

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Renegade Muslim rebels have released the last two of four people they abducted last week in the southern Philippines after relatives agreed to pay a 100,000 peso (US$2,500) ransom, the military said here on Sunday.

Relatives of the two freed men, But-a Uda and Pek Sali, also promised to give the rebels M-16 rifles as part of the payment, the military said.

Southern command spokesman Major Salih Indanan said the duo was freed unharmed late on Saturday following negotiations led by a village chief.

Fifteen heavily armed rebels seized the four hostages on Thursday in nearby Basilan province in retaliation for the death of their leader, who was reportedly killed by a relative of the victims. The rebels released two women hostages earlier on Saturday to relay their demands.