AFP mulls options on German hostages

MANILA, Philippines - The military is studying its options to rescue two Germans kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf. 

“We are trying to analyze the situation...rescue or negotiations,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo Tuesday afternoon.

 “We cannot just go there...and then those who will be rescued will become collateral damage,” he said.

Catapang said a crisis committee is negotiating for the release of the hostages.

Stefan Viktor Okonek, 74, and Henrite Dielen, 42, were seized from their yacht in Rio Tubbataha off Palawan last April.

In a radio interview early this week, the captives urged Philippine and German authorities to ensure their safe release, saying their condition in the jungle continued to worsen. They also expressed concern about their health.

The Germans were allowed to speak by Abu Ramin, who claimed to be the spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf splinter group Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyah. The group has demanded a P250-million ransom.