Rebels swap RP wife for hostages

Rebels swap RP wife for hostages

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Rebels in the southern
Philippines agreed on Thursday to swap 15 of 33 hostages for
their leader's pregnant wife and year-old daughter who had been
snatched in a counter-abduction, the military and the rebels
said.

The hostages were seized last month in Basilan province by the
Abu Sayyaf extremist group led by Khadaffy Janjalani.

Local army commander Col. Saulito Arumin said a vigilante
group, who seized 11 of Janjalani's relatives in a retaliatory
move, freed Sherma Janjalani, 26, and her daughter Jasmine after
meeting with an unnamed government emissary.

The 15 hostages were slated to be released later on Thursday,
rebel spokesman Abu Ahmad said.