Highly reliable sources said negotiations for the release of the three Indonesians, reportedly held in the Sulu town of Luuk, have been intense in the past 10 days.
Two of the hostages reportedly called up their relatives in Indonesia last Saturday night to inform them about the demand for ransom amounting to 10 billion rupiah.
The three captives Muntu Lacobes Winowatan, and Julkipil and Pieter Lerreck were snatched last June 17 while their tugboat, M/T Sintel Marine 88, was towing a barge carrying 17,000 tons of coal in the waters off Basilan. They were en route to Cebu from Indonesia.
"Apparently, the captives were ordered to force their families in Indonesia to pressure the Singaporean owners of the tugboat to shell out the amount in exchange for their freedom," the source said.
But officials of the Singaporean firm have reportedly been adamant in paying the ransom after they were able to safely retrieve their vessel.
According to one of the sources, representatives of the company brought P750,000 to Zamboanga City a day after the abduction as possible payment for "board and lodging" for the three captives.
The money was reportedly handed to the intelligence unit of the Armed Forces Southern Command which, in turn, refused it, saying it wanted no part in any ransom deal.
"I dont know what happened. But it still needs a lot of convincing for the Singaporeans to again come up with the money since they have the vessel and the (coal) was safely delivered to Cebu," the source said.
Indonesian consul-general Bambam Pangestoe earlier said his government adheres to a no-ransom policy in kidnappings. "We dont have money for it and we dont pay any ransom," he said.
At least four prominent politicians in Sulu have reportedly intervened in the negotiations, hoping to get credit for the three Indonesians release.
"It is in preparation for the 2004 elections. These politicians are after the credit. It will make them look good if the hostages are released to them," the source said.