Philippine kidnappers’ boat sighting reported
MANILA, Philippine – A boat carrying hostages and their Muslim extremist captor was spotted off a southern Philippine island, local radio reported Thursday.
The report came as Philippine military officials said the United States offered to help the Philippines search for the 20 hostages, including three Americans, who were kidnapped at a beach resort Sunday.
DZBB radio, quoting local politicians and other residents, said the boat was seen Wednesday night about 150 feet from Kinapusan Island, near where searchers earlier found some hostage’s belongings.
The witnesses said the boat was rigged with grenades and it appeared the explosives could be easily detonated by the captors.
Military spokesman Brig. Gen Ediberto Adan would not comment on the report.
The Muslim guerillas from a group knows as Abu Sayyaf and their captives were last seen Monday, when two fisherman who were taken hostage jumped overboard and escaped, Adan said.
About 24 members of the Abu Sayyaf raided the Dos Palmas resort before dawn Sunday, taking 17 Filipino and three American hostage and speeding southward in highpowered boat. They also abducted five fishermen to help guide and resupply but the two escaped and three others were later released, Adan said.