Posted on 06/29/2002 7:12:30 AM PDT by Ranger
MILITARY search and rescue operations for the Indonesian crewmen abducted by pirates have been called off temporarily while negotiations for their release are underway, a defense department spokesman said Saturday.
"We are holding back the troops while the local government officials are trying to work out terms that would be acceptable to both sides," defense spokesman retired Major General Mel Rosales told INQ7.net.
Rosales said the troops deployed around Luuk, Sulu were recalled on Thursday. But other military operations in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf bandits will "continue without let-up," Rosales maintained.
Reports said the abductors have demanded a 100,000 peso "payment for board and lodging." Rosales said he has no official report about the demand.
On June 17, armed men attacked MT Sintel 88 near Capual Island in the Sulu Sea. They fled with ship captain Juoto Yacobus Winowatan, chief engineer Pieter Lerriehand, chief officer Julkifla and second officer Ferdinan Joel. Joel escaped his captors a day later.
Southcom chief Major General Ernesto Carolina said a group of pirates -- and not the Abu Sayyaf -- were behind the abduction of the three foreigners.
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