JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer
AP Online
05-11-2000
Philippine Rebels Seek Kidnap Costs
JOLO, Philippines (AP) -- Muslim rebels were expected to demand reimbursement for the costs of kidnapping and holding 21 Western and Asian hostages in a pen in the Philippine jungle, a negotiator said today.
The Abu Sayyaf rebels have not specified a figure for expenses such as food and security, but the negotiator said the two sides might agree on $1,200 to $1,700 per hostage.
The Philippine government has a policy of not paying ransom, but often sidesteps it by giving money for ``food and lodging.''
A rebel leader told The Associated Press today that their original plan was to snatch roughly 100 ...