MNLF, MILF swap hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Warring clans of two leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) swapped hostages shortly before noon yesterday in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan, the military said.

The release of the eight hostages came after the group of Jiabrin, an MILF leader, freed on Sunday the daughters of MNLF commander Hassan Addang in Lamitan City.

Col. Carlito Galvez, chief of the 104th Army Brigade, said Addang agreed to the hostage swap after his daughters were returned to him safely in Barangay Bohe Lebong.

Addang’s daughters – Hudjaima Ahlil, 24, Raida, 14 and Karima, 13 – were snatched by gunmen last Tuesday in Lamitan City and were released in Barangay Matibay.

Addang’s group retaliated and seized at least 11 relatives of Jiabrin on Thursday. The group initially released three of the captives who were minors.

Lt. Col. Paolo Perez, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion, said Addang turned the eight hostages over to a group of negotiators led by former vice governor Al-Rasheed Sakalahul. 

“Addang agreed to the release but declined to sit and settle their feud at the moment,” Perez said as he expressed optimism that the feuding parties would settle their differences.