Philippines Rejects Ransom Demand for Hostages Taken From Isle

ISABELA, Philippines — President Joseph Estrada rejected a demand for as much as $2.4 million in ransom from kidnappers who took 21 hostages from a Malaysian resort island, an official said Thursday.

The 21 hostages, including at least 10 foreigners, were kidnapped Sunday and were being held by Muslim extremists, officials said.

At least two Malaysian hostages were expected to be freed shortly because they are Muslims, a police official said. But Estrada rejected ransom demands. “Absolutely not. The government policy is not to give ransom,” presidential executive secretary Ronaldo Zamora said.

Estrada’s chief negotiator, former Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari, said it is possible that the kidnappers may release some of the hostages soon “because it’s not easy to keep 21 people.”

Meanwhile, the governor of a nearby province where soldiers are attacking a Muslim rebel stronghold to free 27 other hostages offered citizens a $730 bounty for each guerrilla they kill.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, issued a statement warning U.S. tourists in the area to exercise caution. “American citizens should avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel,” the statement said.