Posted on 04/24/2003 3:42:40 PM PDT by miltonim
Gov't helps former Abu hostages resume normal lives
FORMER Abu Sayyaf hostages Amelie Mantec and Cleofe Montulo have the full support of the government as they resume to live normal lives, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured them in Malacañang Thursday.
Mantec and Montulo escaped from their Abu Sayyaf captors in Patikul, Sulu on April 18, ending almost ten months spent as hostages of the terrorist group.
Ms Macapagal said the former captives would be assured of utmost security, livelihood assistance and educational support for their school-age children.
"The government has provided us with security. We are okay," Mantec told INQ7.net.
Mantec went to Malacañang with her toddler, Jenny Mae, who was only two years old when the elder Mantec, and her husband were waylaid by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on August 20, 2002.
Mantec's husband and another hostage were beheaded by the bandits a day after they were abducted.
Southcom chief Lieutenant General Roy Kyamko said Montulo's son, who has just graduated from high school, would also be given educational assistance.
The Abu Sayyaf continue to hold Norie Bendijo and Florida Montulo. Like the two former hostages, Bendijo and Montulo are also members of the Jehovah's Witness Christian group.
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