All the many reports of pregnancies, miscarriages, rapes, and forced serial bride abductions by the Abu Sayyaf were proven lies almost as soon as they were floated in the press. Finnish "abductee" Risto Vahanen can be credited with one of the most egregious and inflammatory media defamations, layering the West's inciting of religious war with Islam with a more traditional testosterone goad.
Cyber Diver News Network strikes a very odd, arrogant tone in their brief news rewrites. Perhaps given the exotic locales that draw the hobbyists, this mouthpiece was heavily infiltrated by the three-letter services. There must be enough Jewish reefs and Christian resorts that if a local Muslim custom banning bikinis offends one, then divers could vote with their pocketbooks and go elsewhere.
Very odd too, to have a "Freeman Washington" calling George Speight a "Racist rebel leader."
This image is very LA riots, but the caption,"As lawlessness and racist violence spread across Fiji, dive operators chant: "Let's go diving!" is again, nonsensical. Was the Bali bombing a false-flag economic attack meant to favor rival destinations?
September 10, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels raped Sipadan dive tourist hostages, by Freeman Washington,
Cited in
Terrorismo no Mar de um Mundo Globalizado, by AA Cottim - 2008
Defesa Nação, No. 120, Verao, 2008,
April 24, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels kidnap 21 from Sipadan Island resort, by Freeman Washington, April 25, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits demand $2.4 million for Sipadan hostages, by Freeman Wash.,
April 28, 2000, CDNN, Malaysian police arrest 7 locals for conspiring to abduct Sipadan tourists, by F. W.
April 30, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostages weak, hungry, sick, by Freeman Washington,
May 1, 2000, CDNN, Hostages appeal to Philippine government to stop military ops, Cynthia Weatherly,
May 2, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels threaten to behead two hostages, by Freeman Washington,
May 3, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels claim two hostages dead, by Freeman Washington,
May 4, 2000, CDNN, All Sipadan hostages survive gun battle, by Freeman Washington,
May 4, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf demand $2 million for Wallert, by Freeman Washington,
May 7, 2000, CDNN, Philippine army troops attack Abu Sayyaf, by Freeman Washington,
May 8, 2000, CDNN, Will sick Sipadan hostage be released? by Freeman Washington,
May 10, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels refuse to release German hostage, by Freeman Washington,
May 12, 2000, CDNN, Military blunder prevents talks to release Sipadan hostages, Freeman Washington,
May 14, 2000, CDNN, Army ignores Abu Sayyaf demands, by Cynthia Weatherly,
May 15, 2000, CDNN, Negotiations to release Sipadan hostages could take months, Freeman Washington,
May 16, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostages call home, by Freeman Washington,
May 17, 2000, CDNN, Bomb explodes in Manila shopping mall, by Freeman Washington,
May 18, 2000, CDNN, Negotiations to release Sipadan hostages delayed again, by Freeman Washington,
May 18, 2000, CDNN, Bomb blasts kill five in southern Philippines, by Freeman Washington,
May 22, 2000, CDNN, Rebels threaten to kill Fiji prime minister, by Freeman Washington,
May 25, 2000, CDNN, Fiji chiefs want racist constitution, by Freeman Washington,
May 27, 2000, CDNN, Shooting breaks out between Fiji rebels, military, by Carmen Sanchez,
May 31, 2000, CDNN, Resorts begin laying off staff as occupancy rate plummets, Freeman Washington,
June 11, 2000, CDNN, Coup supporters burning, looting Suva stores, by Carmen Sanchez,
June 16, 2000, CDNN, Commonwealth ministers to exclude rebel leader Speight from meetings, by F.W.
June 20, 2000, CDNN, Racist rebel leader Speight, Fiji military agree on new president, by F. Washington,
June 22, 2000, CDNN, Fiji hostages could be released soon, by Freeman Washington,
June 25, 2000, CDNN, Fiji rebels release four female hostages, by Freeman Washington,
June 30, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf Muslim bandits refuse to release more hostages, by F. Washington,
June 30, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia Tourist Bureau launches 'Fishy' campaign to lure divers back to Sipadan,
July 8, 2000, CDNN, Tribalism, racism push Fiji to brink of civil war, by Freeman Washington,
July 23, 2000, CDNN, Huge ransom payments secure release of some hostages, by Freeman Washington,
August 6, 2000, CDNN, Aussies praise sanctions to force Fiji to return to democracy, FreemanWashington,
August 14 2000, CDNN, 'Spirit of Fiji' sags under apartheid, by Freeman Washington,
August 17, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits release Sipadan hostage, by Freeman Washington,
August 20, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf releases all Malaysian hostages, by Freeman Washington,
August 27, 2000, CDNN, Five more Sipadan hostages freed after 126 days in jungle, Freeman Washington,
August 28, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits free another hostage--7 still captive, Freeman Washington,
September 6, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostage release expected on Friday, by Freeman Washington,
September 9, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits free four more Sipadan hostages, by Cynthia Weatherly,
September 10, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels raped Sipadan dive tourist hostages, by F.W.
September 10, 2000, CDNN, Muslim bandits attack second Malaysia dive resort, Freeman Washington,
September 11, 2000, CDNN, American divers narrowly escape second rebel attack on Malaysia dive resort, by Freeman Washington,
September 22, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia scuba diving resorts take a dive, by Freeman Washington,
October 2, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia deploys more ships, soldiers to Sipadan dive resort, by F. Washington,
October 24, 2000, CDNN, Military rescues three Malaysia hostages, by Freeman Washington,
January 15, 2001, CDNN, US warns travelers to avoid Sipadan, Pandanan off Borneo Malaysia, by F.W.
June 13, 2001, CDNN, US government extends Malaysia travel warnings for Sipadan, Pandanan,
June 15, 2001, CDNN, At least 15 kidnapped as pirates attack again near Sipadan, Sabah off Borneo,
June 17, 2001, CDNN, Robert Kunzig wins prestigious Aventis Prize for Science Books,
June 17, 2001, CDNN, UK warns against all travel to Sipadan, Pandanan dive resorts, by F. Washington,
July 12, 2001, CDNN, Malaysia government conceals killer smog to protect tourism,
May 4, 2002, CDNN, Bikini ban or Taliban? Malaysia cover-up strips tourism profits, by F. Washington,
July 20, 2002, CDNN, Malaysia launches coral reef conservation project, by Evan T. Allard,
December 16, 2002, CDNN, Muslim fanatics issue another bikini ban in Malaysia, by Jonathan Kent,
April 24, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels kidnap 21 from Sipadan Island resort, by Freeman Washington,
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SIPADAN, Malaysia (24 April 2000) -- On Sunday night, April 23, six heavily armed gunmen arrived in two boats at the renowned scuba diving resort of Sipadan Island, Malaysia and kidnapped 21 including at least 10 dive tourists.
The hostages include three Germans, two French, two South Africans, two Finns, one Lebanese, nine Malaysians and a Filipino working at the Sipadan Island Resort.
Other guests, including an American couple, James Murphy and his wife Mary from Rochester, New York, both 51, escaped before the captors ordered the hostages into two boats.
The attack began when six masked gunmen, carrying AK-47s and a rocket launcher rounded up tourists and resort staff and confiscated their cash and jewelry.
A local marine photographer, Danny Chin, said one of the attackers told him to turn over his watch and cell phone. "At first I thought he was joking ... but when I refused to obey his orders, he held a gun to my head." Chin later escaped into the forested interior of the island while the gunmen were ransacking the resort.
The Abu Sayyaf is a Philippine Muslim extremist group linked to Al Qaeda.
The gunmen then forced their hostages to swim to two fishing boats which sped away towards Philippine territorial waters.
Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim extremist group linked to Al Qaeda, is believed to be responsible for the kidnappings.
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April 25, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits demand $2.4 million for Sipadan hostages, by F. Washington,
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ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (25 April 2000) -- The six gunmen who abducted 21 tourists from Sipadan are members of Abu Sayyaf, an extremist Al Qaeda-linked Muslim rebel group fighting for an independent Islamic state in the Philippines.
The rebels have freed two Malaysians because they are Muslims and are demanding $2.4 million for the release of the other hostages which include at least 10 foreigners.
According to Philippine military sources, the hostages are being held in Sulu, a remote province in the southern Philippines where the Abu Sayyaf is based. The area is less than one hour away from Sipadan by high-speed boat.
Meanwhile, the rebels are fighting Philippine government troops who are trying to free 27 other hostages kidnapped five weeks ago. The rebels have beheaded two of the adult hostages and are threatening to kill five more if government troops do not withdraw.
Sipadan hostages
The Abu Sayyaf has demanded the release of various Muslim terrorists including Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted of masterminding the bombing the World Trade Center in 1993.
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April 28, 2000, CDNN, Malaysian police arrest 7 locals for conspiring to abduct Sipadan tourists, by Freeman Washington,
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Sipadan hostages
SEMPORNA, Malaysia (28 April 2000) -- Malaysia police chief, Norian Mai, stated that seven local Malaysians have been arrested on charges of helping Muslim gunmen to abduct 21 foreigners from the Sipadan Island scuba diving resort.
More than 12 locals have been detained and police stated that more might be arrested as their investigation continues into the kidnapping of dive tourists and resort staff.
Police stated that some of the arrested were former employees of the Sipadan resort who have strong ties with the Philippine fishing community, however, Malaysian tourism industry officials have denied the reports.
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April 30, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostages weak, hungry, sick, by Freeman Washington,
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ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (30 April 2000) -- A freelance journalist, Arlyn de la Cruz, who visited the 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan reported that they are weak, do not have enough food and some are suffering from diarrhea.
The hostages are being held in the mountainous area of Talipao in Sulu Province by Philippine Muslim rebels who are demanding fulfillment of a 1976 agreement that provides for an autonomous region in the southwest part of the Philippines.
Negotiations for the release of the hostages stalled after Abu Sayyaf commander Galib Andang refused to negotiate with anyone other than ambassadors from the hostages' countries.
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Sipadan hostages
May 1, 2000, CDNN, Hostages appeal to Philippine government to stop military operations, by Cynthia Weatherly,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (1 May 2000) -- The foreign hostages being held by Muslim extremists wrote letters to their embassies asking officials to pressure the Philippine government to stop military action.
"We are in a very serious situation. I would like to make that clear," said German Werner Wallert. "We are risking our lives here, and if the Philippine government should try to march in and find a military solution, there will be bloodshed, nothing else."
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Sipadan hostages
May 2, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels threaten to behead two hostages, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (2 May 2000) -- In a telephone call to a local radio station, Muslim rebels threatened to behead two hostages unless the military pulls back.
Government troops have encircled the area where the hostages are being held and military officials stated the operation would continue.
The 21 hostages being held by Muslim guerrillas were abducted from Sipadan Island on April 23.
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May 3, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels claim two hostages dead, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (3 May 2000) -- Muslim rebels said two of the foreign hostages being held on Jolo Island died in fighting between military troops and the guerrillas.
Military officials expressed skepticism about the claim stating there was no sign of any blood in the hut where the hostages were being held.
The rebels claim one hostage was shot and another died of a heart attack.
In another call to a local radio staion, rebel leaders again threatened to behead two hostages if the military does not pull back.
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May 4, 2000, CDNN, All Sipadan hostages survive gun battle, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (4 May 2000) -- Despite radio reports of hostage deaths and escapes, all 21 hostages are still alive and captive according to military officials.
Muslim rebels have divided the hostages into five groups in a small area which has been surrounded by government troops.
The hostages have appealed to the Philippine government to pull back their troops so that negotiations for their release can begin.
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May 4, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf demand $2 million for Wallert, by Freeman Washington
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TALIPAO, Philippines (4 May 2000) -- According to Philippine Foreign Secretary, Domingo Saizon, Abu Sayyaf rebels have demanded $2 million for the release of ailing Sipadan hostage Renate Wallert.
Chief negotiator Roberto Aventajado told CDNN this morning Saizon has got it all wrong. "That (Saizon's statement) is not true. I am the one on the ground. I should know."
The dispute between Saizon and Aventajado is just the latest example of Philippine government bungling which has prolonged the Sipadan hostage crisis.
Almost four weeks since the 21 hostages were abducted from Sipadan Island, discussions necessary for the release of the hostages have still not begun.
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Sipadan hostages
May 7, 2000, CDNN, Philippine army troops attack Abu Sayyaf, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (7 May 2000) -- Government forces clashed with Muslim extremists holding 21 foreign hostages this morning.
Mortar shells exploded near the rebel hideout and one rebel was wounded but none of the hostages were injured in the fighting.
The rebels moved the hostages deeper into the jungle and vowed to hold out for six months if their demands are not satisfied.
Philippine president Joseph Estrada announced that his government was determined to free the hostages without endangering their lives but also indicated a military solution would become necessary if negotiations with rebels dragged on too long.
Abu Sayyaf
The hostages have been held for 15 days after being abducted from the world-renowned Sipadan diving resort in Malaysia.
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May 8, 2000, CDNN, Will sick Sipadan hostage be released? by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (8 May 2000) -- Negotiators are pressing for the release of 57-year-old Renate Wallert.
A doctor who examined Wallert told CDNN she is very weak and had to be fed intravenously.
According to Dr. Huda Lim, Wallert's blood pressure and heart rate are normal but she is not eating or drinking water.
Government negotiators stated the rebels are considering releasing Wallert but there have been no statements from rebel leaders confirming the report.
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Sipadan hostages
May 10, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf rebels refuse to release German hostage, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (10 May 2000) -- Muslim rebels rejected the pleas of Libyan and Philippine negotiators for the release of 57-year-old German national Renate Wallert.
"We cannot release the German women no matter what happens," said rebel spokesman Abu Escobar in a radio interview. "She is not sick at all. Sometimes she cannot walk but if there is shooting or skirmishes, she is the first one to run," added Escobar.
According to Wallert's husband and son who were also abducted by the rebels, she has suffered two strokes in captivity.
Red Cross officials told CDNN their team accompanied the negotiators and delivered medical supplies but were not permitted to meet with the hostages.
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Sipadan hostages
May 12, 2000, CDNN, Military blunder prevents talks to release Sipadan hostages, Freeman Washington,
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PATIKUL, Jolo Island (12 May 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf guerrillas broke off communication and fled deeper into the jungle after military troops entered the area where negotiators planned to meet rebel leaders.
Military officials immediately pulled back troops but there are fears the mix-up could delay negotiations to free 57-year-old Renate Wallert who is extremely ill and according to other hostages, has suffered several strokes while in captivity.
Government military operations have endangered the lives of the hostages and impeded efforts to convince rebels to release Wallert.
The hostages have pleaded for the military to pull back so that negotiations for their release can begin.
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Sipadan hostages
May 14, 2000, CDNN, Army ignores Abu Sayyaf demands, by Cynthia Weatherly,
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PATIKUL, Jolo Island, Philippines (14 May 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf guerrillas issued demands which set the conditions for the beginning of negotiations to release 21 foreign hostages abducted from Sipadan Island.
The rebels are demanding a complete withdrawal of government troops from the area on Jolo Island where they are holding the hostages.
The rebels are also demanding independence for the region and the establishment of Islamic law.
Military officials said the 5,000 troops in the area will not pull back.
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Abu Sayyaf
May 15, 2000, CDNN, Negotiations to release Sipadan hostages could take months, Freeman Washington,
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PATIKUL, Jolo Island, Philippines (15 May 2000) -- Three weeks have passed since the hostages were abducted from Sipadan Island but formal discussions to release the hostages have still not started.
Presidential advisor Robert Aventajado who heads the government negotiating team told CDNN this morning the negotiations could be protracted and last months.
According to reports, the rebels have indicated the hostages will only be released as a group, however, a rebel leader told CDNN the early release of Renate Wallert will be on the table once the talks begin.
Government negotiators stated the talks will begin on Thursday or Friday and the first priority will be the release of Renate Wallert.
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Sipadan hostages
May 16, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostages call home, by Freeman Washington,
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PATIKUL, Jolo Island, Philippines (16 May 2000) -- Most of the hostages made phone calls to loved ones with a satellite phone carried in by journalists.
With the exception of Renate Wallert who is very ill, the hostages appear to be holding up well despite the difficult conditions.
According to the hostages, there is very little food and water.
"For several days there was nothing to eat. Today we had nothing but burnt rice because there was very little water. They keep the manioc and bananas for themselves," said French hostage Stephane Lousy.
Sipadan hostages
Consignments of food and medicine for the hostages have been delivered to the rebels but the hostages said they are not getting any of it.
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May 17, 2000, CDNN, Bomb explodes in Manila shopping mall, by Freeman Washington,
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MANILA, Philippines (17 May 2000) -- At least 10 people were seriously injured when a bomb exploded this afternoon in a luxury shopping mall in downtown Manila.
The blast shattered shop windows and caused ceilings to collapse.
Muslim rebels have recently threatened to target Philippine cities but police stated that no calls have bee received from rebels claiming responsibility for any ot the three bomb explosions in Manila during the past week.
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Abu Sayyaf
May 18, 2000, CDNN, Negotiations to release Sipadan hostages delayed again, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (18 May 2000) -- Government officials again postponed talks with Abu Sayyaf rebels aimed at winning the release of 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan Island.
Chief negotiator Roberto Aventajado told CDNN security arrangements and other details are still being arranged and the talks may not begin until Saturday, May 20.
Aventajado also stated that the Philippine government and hostages governments have agreed to a no-ransom policy in their negotiations with rebels.
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Sipadan hostages
May 18, 2000, CDNN, Bomb blasts kill five in southern Philippines, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (18 May 2000) -- Five people were killed and more than 70 wounded in two bombings in the southern Philippines.
On Jolo Island where the Sipadan hostages are being held captive, three grenades were thrown into a public market killing four and wounding more than 40.
In nearby Zamboanga in southern Mindanao, one person was killed and more than 30 wounded when a time bomb exploded in a crowded bakery-cafe.
On April 23, Abu Sayyaf rebels kidnapped 21 dive tourists and resort staff from Sipadan Island.
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Abu Sayyaf
May 22, 2000, CDNN, Rebels threaten to kill Fiji prime minister, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (22 May 2000) -- Fiji rebels dragged Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry out in front of the parliament building and held a gun to his head.
Rebel leader George Speight has threatened to kill Chaudhry and other hostages if security forces try to retake the parliament.
President Ratu Sir Kamisese Maru again called for Speight to release the hostages but also said he would support the resignation of Prime Minister Chaudhry.
"If Mr. Chaudry wants to resign he can resign but it must come from him," Maru said.
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Racist rebel leader George Speight
May 25, 2000, CDNN, Fiji chiefs want racist constitution, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (25 May 2000) -- Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs again asked rebel leader George Speight to release hostages but called for a return to Fiji's former constitution which stipulated that only indigenous Fijians could hold the office of president and prime minister.
The decision has been widely criticised by goverments throughout the world.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan criticised Fiji's chiefs for suggesting that a democratically elected Prime Minister should be replaced by an intermin administration.
"It is only by upholding the democratic process that the long-term stability and prosperity of the population of Fiji, as well as the international standing of Fiji, can be secured," the UN chief said.
The rebels rejected the chiefs recommendation and reiterated that President Mara must be removed from office.
Jaganath Sami, General Secretary of the Fiji Cane Growers Association, stated that the decision by the chiefs will result in a mass exodus of Indian Fijians from their homeland.
"They want Indians to be economic slaves," he said.
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May 27, 2000, CDNN, Shooting breaks out between Fiji rebels, military, by Carmen Sanchez,
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SUVA, Fiji (27 May 2000) -- President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara sacked Fiji's Prime Minister and said he will appoint an interim government.
Rebel leader George Speight rejected the move reiterating his demands for Mara's resignation and the end of Fiji's multiracial constitution.
Early this morning, shots broke out between rebels and government forces as rebel supporters tried to crash through barricades set up around parliament.
Two soldiers and a television cameraman were injured.
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Racist rebel leader George Speight: "We will not be deterred by multiculturalism"
May 31, 2000, CDNN, Resorts begin laying off staff as occupancy rate plummets, Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (31 May 2000) -- With governments around the world threatening economic sanctions and advising tourists not to travel to Fiji, the Pacific island nation is beginning to experience a sharp decline in bookings.
Occupancy at Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, the largest one in Fiji, dropped to 40% immediately after the coup and led to restaurant closures and layoffs.
Wolf-Dieter Flecker, the resort's general manager, said he does not think there will be a turnaround soon and fears that Japanese and Australian tourists will stay away for months.
The Fiji Visitors Bureau has received a surge of e-mails from worried travelers.
Two previous coups in 1987 dealt a serious blow to Fiji's tourist industry which took years to recover from the damage. Tourism officials have expressed fears that this coup could be even more damaging to the tourist industry which generates $250 million per year, Fiji's top foreign exchange earner.
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June 11, 2000, CDNN, Coup supporters burning, looting Suva stores, by Carmen Sanchez,
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SUVA, Fiji (11 June 2000) -- Over 100 supporters of rebel leader George Speight went on another rampage burning down a restaurant near the parliamentary complex where Speight is holding 31 hostages.
Coup supporters have been camping in the complex from where they have been looting homes and businesses for the past three weeks.
"It's not safe. They are armed with knives, " said one soldier.
Before the rioting, Speight issued a statement that no hostages would be released until his demands for a civilian government ruled by indigenous Fijians are met.
"We will not be deterred by arguments based on democracy and multiculturalism," Speight said.
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As lawlessness and racist violence spread across Fiji, dive operators chant: "Let's go diving!"
June 16, 2000, CDNN, Commonwealth ministers to exclude rebel leader Speight from meetings, by F.W.
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SUVA, Fiji (16 June 2000) -- Commonwealth ministers visiting Fiji to try to resolve the hostage crisis and press for a return to democracy will not meet with rebel leader George Speight.
New Zealand foreign affairs minister Phil Goff said a meeting with Speight would only legitimize a terrorists attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government.
Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer warned of dire consequences if Fiji does not return to democracy.
"If democracy is lost in Fiji, then Fiji has a fairly dark future," Downer said.
Speight has referred to Australian and New Zealand government officials as thugs and bullies and said the commonwealth has no part to play in Fiji's internal affairs.
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Racist rebel leader George Speight: "We will not be deterred by multiculturalism"
June 20, 2000, CDNN, Racist rebel leader Speight, Fiji military agree on new president, by F. Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (20 June 2000) -- Military officials and racist rebel leader George Speight have agreed on Ratu Josefa Iloilo as the president of the interim government.
The two sides will now discuss nominations for the rest of the interim civilian government.
Speight will not be allowed to participate in the interim administration, however, the military will consider his nominees.
Speight wants Indo-Fijians banned from government positions but said he would accept appointments made by the new president.
Speight's coup has pushed the island nation to the brink of economic ruin.
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Racist rebel leader George Speight: "We will not be deterred by multiculturalism".
June 22, 2000, CDNN, Fiji hostages could be released soon, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (22 June 2000) -- Military officials and rebel leader George Speight are close to an agreement on the release of the hostages.
According to some reports, the hostages could be released later today or tomorrow.
The release will come after both sides sign an accord that stipulates terms for the release of 31 politicians, including Fiji's prime minister, held by rebel leader George Speight since the May 19 coup.
The terms of the accord call for the rebels to surrender their arms, amnesty for Speight and his core group and the role of the military while Fiji is governed by an interim administration.
Speight wants Indo-Fijians banned from government positions but said he would accept appointments made by the new president.
Racist rebel leader George Speight: "We will not be deterred by multiculturalism"
Speight's coup has pushed the island nation to the brink of economic ruin and turned Fiji into the pariah of the south Pacific.
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June 25, 2000, CDNN, Fiji rebels release four female hostages, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (25 June 2000) -- Rebels released four female hostages last night including Fiji's former Minister for Tourism, Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau.
Twenty-seven hostages including Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry are still being held at gunpoint in the parliamentary complex.
The hostages have all gone home after a medical assessment by the Red Cross.
According to military officials, the signing of the accord that calls for the release of the remaining hostages could take place later today.
Freedom for the hostages could still be delayed by a traditional Fijian ceremony held by the rebels to seek forgiveness from the hostages.
The accord stipulates that the military will continue to govern Fiji for three months and then a interim government appointed by tribal chiefs will take over for 21 months before new elections.
Racist rebel leader George Speight
The primary responsibility of the interim civilian government will be to draft a new constitution, which will strip Indo-Fijians of their rights and guarantee the outcome of the next election.
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June 30, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf Muslim bandits refuse to release more hostages, by F. Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (30 June 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf Muslim bandits holding 20 hostages abducted from Sipadan two months ago have refused to release more hostages until an agreement is reached.
Abu Sayyaf leaders want to negotiate directly with foreign government officials representing hostages from several foreign countries including Germany, France, Finland, South Africa, Lebanon and Malaysia.
After two months of captivity in the jungle, many of hostages are sick, weak and in need of hospital care, however, Muslim bandits have cut off medical supplies and visits by medical teams.
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Sipadan hostages
June 30, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia Tourist Bureau launches 'Fishy' campaign to lure divers back to Sipadan,
by Freeman Washington,
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SIPADAN, Malaysia (30 June 2000) -- The problem with tourist bureau announcements is that they have less credibility than press releases from tobacco companies claiming that it is safe to smoke cigarettes.
When everything is running smoothly, when there is no trouble in "paradise," tourist boards have a role to play in the marketing of resort areas. But when things go wrong, government tourist bureaus, who are expected to filter out all the bad news, alienate the public with "official" announcements that ignore reality.
In the midst of terrorist bombings and violence that spread to Manila shopping malls and the Manila International Airport, the Philippines Tourist Bureau issued the following official announcement:
"The Department of Tourism strongly emphasizes that the terrorist acts of the Abu Sayyaf took place in ISOLATED SPOTS of Basilan and Jolo, two small islands located at the southwestern most tip of our national boundary."
After violence in Fiji spread to the countryside, hotels shutdown, thousands of staff were layed off and business officials reported that Fiji's tourist industry was losing $1.3m per day, the Fiji Visitors Bureau issued the following announcement:
"Tourism remains unaffected by recent events."
The recent announcement by the Malaysia Tourist Bureau that "all is well" in Sipadan follows the same 'too-much-too-early' pattern.
PRESS RELEASE SMELLS FISHY
The press release quotes Steve Fish, a Sipadan photo shop operator, who claims that despite the abduction of 21 dive tourists and hotel staff, Sipadan is safe and ALWAYS HAS BEEN SAFE. We wonder how the hostages would respond to Steve's 'business-as-usual' comments.
Fish also claims that the incident was an isolated one. The facts prove otherwise.
Sipadan is one of hundreds of islands in a region flanked by the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia where pirates, smugglers and militants operate with the knowledge and often the cooperation of locals who allegedly share the take. Pirate attacks increased 40 percent in the area during the first six months of 2000 and despite increased patrols, government officials admit they cannot stop the attacks. There has been a pattern of violence, abductions and robbery in the Sabah region which includes Sipadan Island.
Immediately after the rebel attack on Sipadan, 10 locals were arrested and interrogated on suspicion of helping the rebels. The island itself is at the center of a territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia which remains unresolved pending judgement by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands.
Fish alleges that increased security in the area has made Sipadan a safer destination. That may or may not be true. The real issue is whether dive travelers will be convinced that an island situated in the middle of a region that is so dangerous and unstable it must be surrounded by military patrol vessels is the best place to enjoy a relaxing, carefree and comfortable holiday.
Finally Fish argues that an incident like this could not happen again because "instead of forcing concessions, they (the rebels) have just stirred up a hornet's nest in the region."
In fact, the rebels have succeeded in forcing the Philippine government to make concessions such as protecting their fishing rights and increasing financial aid to the region.
The "hornet's nest" of media coverage, which has brought pressure by foreign governments on the Philippine government to give in to rebel demands, has already netted the rebels a huge ransom payment and more are sure to follow.
Marketing "paradise" can be a dangerous occupation. Tourist bureaus and resort operators such as Steve Fish who lie and deliberately filter out all but the colorful and captivating may sign up another travel agent or two, but lose touch with reality and irreparably damage their credibility.
Editor's Note: Two months after Freeman Washington filed this CDNN report blasting Steve Fish's spin on the Sipadan kidnappings, rebels attacked a second island dive resort in the area.
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July 8, 2000, CDNN, Tribalism, racism push Fiji to brink of civil war, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (8 July 2000) -- Almost two months ago when rebels took over parliament, the political crisis stemmed from a racist agenda aimed at disenfranchising Indo-Fijians.
But the crisis has turned into a battle between armed ethnic Fijians vying for political control of a country that is on the verge of civil war.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff described the crisis as a brawl between tribal chiefs.
"Taken to the extreme, you could even see civil war. Not civil war between the indigenous and the Indo-Fijian population, but rather a civil war between the conflicting factions within the indigenous community," Goff said.
Tourists are urged to leave Fiji
On Tuesday, five ethnic Fijians were wounded in a gun battle between soldiers and rebels outside the parliamentary complex.
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July 23, 2000, CDNN, Huge ransom payments secure release of some hostages, by Freeman Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (23 July 2000) -- Ransom payments totaling from $3-4m have secured the release of several hostages abducted from Sipadan Island three months ago.
Abu Sayyaf Muslim bandits have released six of nine Malaysians in exchange for payments exceeding $3m. German national, Renate Wallert, was also freed in exchange for $890,000.
Of the original group of 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan, 14 remain captive including three Malaysians, two Germans, two Finns, three French, two South Africans and two Filipinos.
Since the Sipadan abductions on April 23, Abu Sayyaf bandits have taken 17 more hostages including a German journalist, a three-person French TV crew and a group of 13 Filipino Christian evangelists.
Negotiations for the release of the remaining 31 hostages have been complicated by squabbling among the bandits over sharing the huge ransom payments.
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Renate Wallert
August 6, 2000, CDNN, Aussies praise sanctions to force Fiji to return to democracy, FreemanWashington,
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SUVA, Fiji (6 Aug 2000) -- Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley and ACTU president Sharon Burrow said Australia must continue to apply pressure on Fiji to return to democracy.
Beazley said that tougher sanctions may be necessary to get the message across.
"It has to be made clear to all the Fijian people that at this stage of global history, democracy is deeply valued and offences against democratic behavior and democratic practice are not to be rewarded in any shape or form," Beazley said.
Burrow said the current Fiji government is racially constituted and should be replaced. She added that Australia should be prepared to toughen its sanctions if the situation does not improve.
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Racist rebel leader George Speight
August 14 2000, CDNN, 'Spirit of Fiji' sags under apartheid, by Freeman Washington,
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SUVA, Fiji (14 Aug 2000) -- While apartheid policies continue to damage Fiji's tourism industry and cause job losses, tourism officials are struggling to put a positive spin on all of the political and social turmoil.
The latest attempt to prop up Fiji's decimated tourism industry is a feel-good campaign called the "Spirit of Fiji."
Brought to you by the same military-backed government that enthusiastically trashed Fiji's multiracial constitution and threw out democratically elected officials, the we-want-your-money campaign is designed to convince tourists that apartheid Fiji is worth visiting.
To prove it, the Fiji Visitors Bureau continues to offer up more of the tourist testimonials they have been running throughout the turmoil of recent months (We had a wonderful time at the resort and are so glad we could ignore all the lawlessness and violence).
Tensions remain high throughout Fiji
Despite such testimonials, the vast majority have stayed away. In June Fiji's tourist arrivals declined by 70%, and in July, dropped by 85%.
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August 17, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits release Sipadan hostage, by Freeman Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (17 August 2000) -- Government officials again postponed talks with Abu Sayyaf rebels aimed at winning the release of 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan Island.
Chief negotiator Roberto Aventajado told CDNN security arrangements and other details are still being arranged and the talks may not begin until Saturday, May 20.
Aventajado also stated that the Philippine government and hostages governments have agreed to a no-ransom policy in their negotiations with rebels.
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August 20, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf releases all Malaysian hostages, by Freeman Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (20 August 2000) -- Three Malaysian hostages are finally free after 119 days in captivity but Muslim rebels have reneged on their agreement to release a dozen European and South African hostages.
All of the hostages were to have been freed on Saturday but the rebels backed out of the deal saying they feared an attack by the military who are on high alert near the rebel camp.
The rebels released the three Malaysians, including Sipadan divemaster Ken Yin Fong Ken, resort cook Kua Yu Loong and forest ranger Basilius Jim, on Friday night but they were not able to get out of the jungle until Sunday morning.
When the remaining hostages will be freed is now unclear. Libya negotiated the deal to end the crisis but has harshly criticized the Philippine government in the wake of the collapse.
Libya has threatened to withdraw from the negotiations if the Philippine government does not soften its stand against the guerrillas. Angry officials in Manila told Libya they were free to go.
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August 27, 2000, CDNN, Five more Sipadan hostages freed after 126 days in jungle, Freeman Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (27 August 2000) -- Five more hostages abducted by Muslim bandits have been released after months in the jungle of Jolo Island in the southern Philippines.
Four of the hostages were abducted from a Sipadan Island diving resort on April 23 and one was taken hostage on July 9 with a three-member French television crew.
The freed hostages expressed concern about those who are still being held captive.
"You don't expect me to be happy, my son is still there," said Werner Wallert, a 57-year-old German.
Of the 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan over four months ago, 15 have been released. Abu Sayyaf rebels still hold eight people including two members of the French television crew.
Sipadan hostages
A dozen Filipino evangelists are also with the hostages, however, it is not clear if they are being held against their will.
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August 28, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits free another hostage--7 still captive, Freeman Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (28 August 2000)-- South African Carel Strydom has walked out of the jungle in the southern Philippines and will join his wife Monique who was freed along with four other hostages yesterday.
The Strydoms were among 21 dive tourists and hotel staff who were abducted at gunpoint at a Sipadan Island diving resort on April 23.
Seven hostages remain captive including two Finns, one German, three Frenchmen and a one Filipino. Another 12 Filipino evangelists are also at the rebel camp but it is not clear if they are being held against their will.
The six freed hostages will be flown to Libya before returning home as part of a deal initiated by Libya. According to unofficial reports, Libya paid US$1m for the release of each of the remaining hostages.
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Sipadan hostages
September 6, 2000, CDNN, Sipadan hostage release expected on Friday, by Freeman Washington,
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JOLO, Philippines (6 Sep 2000) -- Abu Sayyaf Muslim terrorists are now promising to release all Sipadan hostages and two members of a French television crew on Friday.
The Sipadan hostages including four dive tourists and one Filipino hotel staff have been held deep in the jungle of the southern Philippines for 136 days. The two French television crew were abducted in July.
Sixteen other people who were kidnapped from a Sipadan Island diving resort on April 23 have already been released in exchange for huge ransom payments totaling over $10.5m.
The rebels have used the money to buy arms and expand their militia from 200 to over 1000.
Sipadan hostages
Officials fear the huge ransom payments will lead to more kidnappings in the region.
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September 9, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf bandits free four more Sipadan hostages, by Cynthia Weatherly,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (9 Sep 2000) -- Muslim bandits have freed four European hostages after 139 days in captivity.
Of the original group of 21 dive tourists and hotel staff abducted from Sipadan Island, only Roland Ullah, a diving instructor, remains captive.
Abu Sayyaf rebels are also holding two French television crew kidnapped in July, an American kidnapped in late August and over a dozen Filipino evangelists.
Libya put up the $4m for those set free today and paid another $6m for six hostages released earlier.
The latest hostage release was delayed after a rebel faction ambushed government emissaries who were carrying a large ransom.
Sipadan hostages
One bodyguard was killed and several others were wounded. None of the hostages was injured.
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September 10, 2000, CDNN, Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels raped Sipadan dive tourist hostages, by F.W.
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JOLO, Philippines (10 Sep 2000) -- Risto Vahanen, one of the four Sipadan hostages freed last weekend, said Abu Sayyaf rebels raped some of the female hostages.
"They (the women) thought that it must be published, but not with names, so that the world would know," said Vahanen. He added that the male hostages were not able to protect the women because they knew it would lead to more aggression.
Of the original group of 21 dive tourists and hotel staff abducted from Sipadan Island, only Roland Ullah, a diving instructor, remains captive.
Abu Sayyaf rebels are also holding two French television crew kidnapped in July, an American kidnapped in late August and over a dozen Filipino evangelists.
Sipadan hostages
Yesterday, armed bandits attacked another diving resort on Pandanan Island near Sipadan and took three more hostages. The bandits fled in high-speed boats toward the southern Philippines.
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September 10, 2000, CDNN, Muslim bandits attack second Malaysia dive resort, Freeman Washington,
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SABAH, Malaysia (10 Sep 2000) -- Four armed gunmen attacked a dive resort on Pandanan Island near Sipadan, robbed the resort, took three hostages and fled in a high-speed boat towards the southern Philippines.
Despite claims by the Malaysia tourist bureau and Sipadan Island dive operators that there are no security problems in the region, it is the second time in just five months that bandits have attacked dive resorts and taken hostages in Sabah, a popular dive resort area in Malaysia.
Over the last few years, pirate attacks, robberies, kidnappings, murder and extortion have been escalating in the Sabah region.
It is still unclear if the bandits are members of the same Abu Sayyaf group that took 21 dive tourists and hotel staff from Sipadan Island.
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September 11, 2000, CDNN, American divers narrowly escape second rebel attack on Malaysia dive resort, by Freeman Washington,
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SABAH, Malaysia (11 Sep 2000) -- Just hours before Muslim rebels attacked Pandanan Island and seized three hostages, divers Katie Dunn and Eric MacMahon left the island's dive resort for the mainland.
The kidnapping was almost identical to the April 23 attack on nearby Sipadan Island where 21 dive tourists, dive instructors and hotel staff were taken hostage. All but one diving instructor from that hostage group have since been freed.
In the latest attack on a Malaysian dive resort, Abu Sayyaf Muslim terrorists linked to Al Qaeda used a high-speed boat purchased with part of the $20m ransom they received for the release of the Sipadan hostages.
Although Malaysian and Philippine patrol boats gave chase, the powerful, high-speed 50-passenger boat easily outran the slower military vessels.
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September 22, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia scuba diving resorts take a dive, by Freeman Washington,
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SABAH, Malaysia (22 Sep 2000) -- Long before Muslim rebels released the last dive tourists abducted from Sipadan Island, Malaysia's tourist industry and Sipadan dive operators launched a campaign to convince divers that there was no danger of another attack.
The "Is Diving Safe in Sipadan?" campaign took a fatal dive on September 10 when four armed gunmen in two high-speed powerboats attacked Pandanan Island which is about as close as you can get to Sipadan without getting wet.
Now the resorts are empty, or close to it, as dive tourists avoid what has become the latest victim of inadequate security in an impoverished region plagued by Islamic extremists, piracy, robbery, kidnappings, extortion and killings.
The business of kidnapping is a growth industry in the region and wealthy foreign dive tourists, Europeans, Americans and Japanese are the primary target.
Incredibly, Malaysia's tourist officials are still pretending all is well in Sabah. Malaysia's tourism minister, Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir continues to insist the attacks on dive resorts will have NO effect on Malaysia's $3.2bn tourist industry.
But most Malaysians disagree. The Malaysia Star newspaper wrote that security problems "will destroy our tourist industry, wiping off years of efforts in promoting these idyllic tropical islands of Sabah as a divers paradise."
The Ministry of Defense has increased security in Sabah but admitted that it cannot protect resorts from more attacks.
Military troops have been deployed on resort islands and resort owners have been encouraged to hire their own security but the attempted cure may be worse than the disease.
No matter how good the diving is, dive resorts that have been transformed into fortified military posts surrounded by heavily armed patrol vessels are images certain to turn away most dive travelers.
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October 2, 2000, CDNN, Malaysia deploys more ships, soldiers to Sipadan dive resort, by F. Washington,
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TALIPAO, Philippines (2 Oct 2000) -- The Malaysian navy has deployed more than 20 ships and over 2,000 soldiers to the Borneo Sabah region in an effort to guard Sipadan, Pandanan and other dive resorts against more kidnappings by Al-Qaeda-linked Muslim terrorists.
Troops and police have been stationed on the Sabah coast and on resort islands where Abu Sayyaf rebels have twice abducted dive tourists and dive resort staff in the past few months.
Damed If You Do - Damned If You Don't
With most dive resorts empty or close to it and some considering shutting down permanently, the Malaysian government has finally decided to act decisively to increase security in the region.
But the cure may be worse than the disease.
Sipadan hostages
No matter how good the diving is, dive resorts that have been transformed into fortified military posts surrounded by heavily armed patrol vessels are images certain to turn away most dive travelers.
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October 24, 2000, CDNN, Military rescues three Malaysia hostages, by Freeman Washington,
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JOLO ISLAND, Philippines (24 Oct 2000) -- Army soldiers have freed three Malaysian hostages kidnapped from a Pandanan Island dive resort after a half hour gun battle with Abu Sayyaf rebels.
Resort manager Mohamed Noh Sulaiman, divemaster Joseph Joe Ongkinoh and contractor Kan Wei Chong were abducted on September 10 from the Pandanan dive resort island near Sipadan, off the east coast of Malaysia"s Sabah province.
The Abu Sayyaf rebels still hold an American and a Sipadan Island dive instructor hostage.
Since the Philippine military launched an assault on rebel positions on Jolo in mid-September, the kidnappings have stopped and the Abu Sayyaf has been on the run. More than 100 rebels have been killed in the military action.
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Abu Sayyaf rebels
January 15, 2001, CDNN, US warns travelers to avoid Sipadan, Pandanan off Borneo Malaysia, by F.W.
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WASHINGTON DC (15 Jan 2001) -- The US State Department has extended for five months travel warnings advising travelers to avoid the Sabah area of Malaysia.
The travel warning cites continued fears of terrorism and specifically names Sipadan Island and Pandanan Island, two resort areas that cater primarily to divers.
The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf rebels launched attacks on both Sipadan and Pandanan Islands last year kidnapping 24 dive tourists and resort staff. A Sipadan Island dive instructor remains hostage almost nine months after he was abducted.
Abu Sayyaf Al-Qaeda backed terrorists
To review the latest US State Department travel warnings, go to CDNN's Diver Alert feature.
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June 13, 2001, CDNN, US government extends Malaysia travel warnings for Sipadan, Pandanan,
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WASHINGTON DC (13 June 2001) -- The US State Department has issued new warnings advising travelers to avoid Sipadan and Pandanan islands in the Sabah region off the east coast of Borneo of Malaysia.
The travel warning cites recent tourist kidnappings and specifically names Sipadan Island and Pandanan Island, two resorts that cater primarily to divers.
The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf rebels launched attacks on both Sipadan and Pandanan Islands last year kidnapping 24 dive tourists and resort staff. A Sipadan Island dive instructor remains hostage well over a year after he was abducted.
Last month, the Abu Sayyaf struck again, kidnapping 20 tourists from a luxury resort on the island of Palawan in the southwestern Philippines.
The latest US State Department travel warning for Malaysia is as follows:
Malaysia
June 13, 2001
The Department reiterates its concern about attacks by members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Southern Philippines near the Malaysian State of Sabah. The ASG remains a security threat to areas of Malaysia near the Southern Philippines.
On May 27, 2001, members of the ASG kidnapped 20 people, including three American citizens, from a resort on the Philippine island of Palawan and took them by boat to Basilan Island in the Southern Philippines. Since April 2000, the ASG has taken a number of people hostage, including foreign tourists on the Malaysian islands of Sipadan and Pandanan. The Department's current Public Announcement for the Philippines indicates there is concern that the ASG may attack U.S. citizens and others again. The group is under attack by the Armed Forces of the Philippines at this time.
Since September 2000, the Government of Malaysia has increased the number of police and military personnel deployed in the southeastern part of Sabah. It has also placed small detachments in various places, including the islands of Sipadan and Pandanan, where armed gunmen kidnapped hostages on April 23 and September 11, 2000, subsequently transporting them to the islands of the Southern Philippines. However, the region is remote and large in area, and assistance in security matters may not be readily available.
U.S. citizens traveling to the islands and in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah should be aware of the persistence of threats from the Abu Sayyaf Group, and should exercise extreme caution if they travel to that region.
U.S. citizens traveling to the islands or in the coastal region of eastern Sabah in Malaysia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. As the U.S. Embassy is quite distant from this region, U.S. citizens may wish to contact the Embassy by telephone at 60-3-2168-5000, or by e-mail at klconsular@state.gov.
For further general information on travel to Malaysia, consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet, at http://travel.state.gov. Travelers to the Malaysian State of Sabah should also consult the current Public Announcement on the Philippines.
This Public Announcement replaces the Public Announcement for Malaysia dated April 9, 2001, to expand the region included in the Announcement and to provide updated security information. It expires on December 6, 2001.
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June 15, 2001, CDNN, At least 15 kidnapped as pirates attack again near Sipadan, Sabah off Borneo,
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SABAH, Malaysia (15 June 2001) -- Hoping to rake in huge ransoms like those reportedly paid to Muslim guerrillas in the Philippines, pirates have attacked several vessels and taken 15 Malaysians captives in recent days, police said Friday.
Piracy is common in the region, but Malaysian officials said the latest abductions appeared to be inspired by the millions the Abu Sayyaf rebels reportedly received for the release of foreign tourists abducted from a Malaysian diving resort last year.
"The pirates think they can also make big money by holding people for ransom," Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman, deputy commander of Malaysia's marine police, said Friday. He urged Malaysian vessels to take precautions against piracy.
The warning came a day after 15 Malaysians aboard six fishing boats were abducted in two separate incidents between the Philippines and the Malaysian-ruled part of Borneo island.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said naval surveillance has been increased and more aircraft might be brought in to monitor the dangerous stretch of water between the two Southeast Asian countries.
The U.S. State Department renewed a warning to American citizens Wednesday to "exercise extreme caution" if traveling to Sabah, the Malaysian state on northern Borneo, citing persistent threats by Abu Sayyaf.
On Thursday, raiders in military fatigues seized nine men near Lihiman island and took them to nearby Takanak, both in the Philippines. Six were freed after paying about $4,000; the others were released Friday without ransom after police negotiated through villagers, Jalaluddin said. Six other Malaysians were being held Friday by pirates on the Philippine island of Tawi-Tawi.
Jalaluddin said the kidnappers weren't linked to Abu Sayyaf, but that "they are obviously influenced" by the riches the group reaped after last year's hostage-taking.
"Those involved in this kind of piracy are also hard-pressed people looking for easy money," Jalaluddin said. "They are desperate enough to do anything."
Abu Sayyaf rebels abducted 21 tourists and workers from a Malaysian diving resort in April 2000 and seized dozens of other hostages in subsequent raids. Many were released for ransoms that totaled in the millions of dollars, though the specific amounts have not been revealed.
Pirate attacks often go unreported since the owners of vessels "prefer to pay ransom if they can" to avoid a prolonged standoff with the abductors, Jalaluddin said.
Abu Sayyaf guerrillas now hold more than two dozen captives they seized this month, and claim to have killed one of three Americans among them. Several Filipino captives have been freed, some reportedly for ransoms paid by relatives. Philippine authorities say they won't pay ransom.
The rebels, who claim to be fighting for an independent Muslim state in the southern Philippines, have eluded capture since seizing hostages, including the three Americans, at an island resort on June 1. The campiagn to subdue them has left 16 soldiers dead and more than 50 wounded.
June 17, 2001, CDNN, Robert Kunzig wins prestigious Aventis Prize for Science Books,
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DIJON, France (17 June 2001) -- A book about the mysteries of the deep oceans has won the world's most prestigious prize for popular science writing -- the Aventis Prize for Science Books.
Robert Kunzig, an editor for Discover Magazine, was honored at a dinner in London's Science Museum last Tuesday for writing Mapping the Deep, The Extraordinary Story of Ocean Science.
The Aventis Prize for Science Books -- sometimes dubbed the scientific community's Booker Prize -- has been running since 1988.
Sir David Weatherall, Oxford University, chaired the panel judging the main prize. Mapping the Deep is described as a state-of-the-ocean report on the sea and its science.
Kunzig draws on the voices of oceanographers past and present -- scientists, pioneers, maverick thinkers, deep-water divers, and submersible pilots -- to tell his story.
He told BBC News, "I was amazed just how little we knew about the oceans; but at the same time what a revolution there has been in the past few decades in our understanding of marine science. I was just trying to get that across in a way that would touch a wide audience. It is very like space exploration -- the only difference is that, for some reason, space exploration seems to get more attention. People can stand out in their backyard and look up at the stars; looking at the deep is a whole lot harder. We have to rely on the oceanographers to do it for us."
Kunzig is the European editor of Discover Magazine, based in Dijon. His writing about the oceans has already won him the AAAS-Westinghouse Science Journalism Award, presented by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism, presented by the American Geophysical Union.
June 17, 2001, CDNN, UK warns against all travel to Sipadan, Pandanan dive resorts, by F. Washington,
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LONDON, UK (17 June 2001) -- The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued new warnings advising travelers to avoid Sipadan and Pandanan islands in the Sabah region off the east coast of Borneo of Malaysia.
The travel warning cites recent tourist kidnappings and specifically names Sipadan Island and Pandanan Island, two resorts that cater primarily to divers.
The latest UK travel warning for Malaysia is as follows:
Malaysia
Most visits to Malaysia are trouble-free. Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or, in serious cases, the death penalty. We advise against travel to the islands off the east coast of Sabah.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Visitors should be aware that the incidence of street crime, particularly bag snatching, is increasing. They should take particular care of their passports, as passport theft, including on aircraft and in airport buildings, is common. Do not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sight in a locked boot.
Credit card fraud is on the increase. Care should therefore be taken when making payments by credit card.
Beware of con men. There have been a number of reports of tourists being invited to private houses and then lured into gambling games and forced to put up a considerable amount of money.
Police permission is required for certain kinds of public gatherings in Malaysia. Travellers are therefore advised to avoid street gatherings and demonstrations which might place them at risk.
There have been an increasing number of attacks against ships in and around Malaysian waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
There have been reports of serious personal problems as a result of taking up offers of voluntary work with the Utan Bara Adventure Team (UBAT); advice should be sought from the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur before responding to these offers.
LOCAL TRAVEL
We advise against all travel to the islands off the east coast of Sabah. Since a Moslem separatist group kidnapped twenty-one people including ten foreign tourists from the diving resort of Sipadan and three further tourists from Pandanan Island, another diving resort, last year, the Malaysian authorities have significantly increased security in the area. Nevertheless, while the southern Philippines remains tense, there is a risk of further attempts to take hostages. There is a need for increased vigilance when visiting parts of coastal Sabah near to the islands.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Malaysia, including in some cases, the death penalty, or, in the case of possession, whipping in addition to any custodial sentence imposed. This also includes the possession of or trafficking in Amphetamine-type stimulants. Travellers should be aware that there is a possibility that they could be asked to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia if they are suspected of having used drugs prior to their visit. Should the test prove positive, the person concerned could be referred for rehabilitation treatment or deported.
The importation of unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia is prohibited. Possession can carry the death penalty.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry to Malaysia is normally refused to visitors holding passports with less than six months' validity.
Under current Malaysian exchange control rules, travellers may import or export up to RM1,000 per person without prior approval. There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency (notes and/or traveller's cheques) travellers may import. Non-residents may export foreign currency (notes and/or traveller's cheques) up to the amount they previously imported, provided they have documentary evidence of the amount they imported. All travellers must complete travellers' declaration forms on entering Malaysia. Penalties for offences under the Exchange Control Act 1953 are a fine of up to RM10,000; three years' imprisonment; or both.
HEALTH
British nationals may wish to seek medical advice before travelling to Malaysia.
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July 12, 2001, CDNN, Malaysia government conceals killer smog to protect tourism,
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (12 July 2001) -- Haze blanketed large parts of Malaysia on Wednesday, forcing schools to close, and experts warned smoke clouds from hundreds of forest fires in the region would only worsen the air pollution.
The haze and smoke have also covered Indonesia's Sumatra and Borneo islands where fires have burned unchecked for days as well as Singapore and southern Thailand, and there were fears of a repeat of a 1997 air pollution crisis.
In Malaysia, schoolchildren were sent home or stopped from playing outside, and some street sweepers wore masks over their noses and mouths to protect them against the smoke.
Environmental groups said they had received complaints of eye and throat irritation problems in some areas, including the northwest tourist island of Penang.
Plantation owners in neighboring Indonesia sometimes use fire as a cheap and illegal means of clearing land, mainly during the midyear dry season.
Hariyadi, an official at Indonesia's Meteorological and Geophysics Agency, predicted that the problem would get worse.
"The haze levels will rise because the fires have coincided with the dry season,'' said Hariyadi, who like many Indonesians uses only one name. ''There is no major rain expected."
In Kuala Lumpur, the haze has been made worse by fires which have smoldered in layers of peat southwest of the city for four days.
The Malaysian government has refused to release current readings of the index it uses to measure air pollution, fearing tourists will be scared off. But the Environment Ministry on Monday banned open burning, a move required by law if the air pollution index rises above 100 points, which indicates unhealthy levels of suspended particles in the air.
In 1997, fires raged out of control for weeks during the dry season blanketing Singapore and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia with thick smoke. The ecological disaster also sparked a huge diplomatic row between the nations affected.
May 4, 2002, CDNN, Bikini ban or Taliban? Malaysia cover-up strips tourism profits, by F. Washington,
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TERENGGANU, Malaysia (4 May 2002) --Looking for beautiful beaches, pristine reefs and hospitable, friendly locals who know how to welcome their foreign guests?
Forget about northeast Malaysia unless you like being punished for failing to comply with new regulations imposed by Taliban-like Muslim fanatics.
The extremist Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) state government in Terengganu has ruled that tourists will be banned from wearing bikinis and other revealing garments (speedos?), and men and women will be forced to swim in separate pools.
According to Malaysia tourism officials, the Taliban-like regime has launched an "educational program" to ensure that foreigners respect Muslim culture and tradition.
"It is not healthy to have both sexes together in (swimming pools)," insisted state tourism executive committee chairman Wan Hassan Mohamed Ramli. "We are not doing something which is beyond understanding but something which is required of Islam."
Banned in Malaysia--Try Thailand!
Since taking control, the radical PAS regime, which aims to impose its Islamic fundamentalism throughout Malaysia, has shut down pubs, karaoke bars, unisex salons and gaming outlets.
Last month, it announced plans to amend the state constitution in order to make Islamic Sharia law supreme in Terengganu.
Sharia law punishes some criminal offences with the amputation of hands or feet.
After oil and gas, tourism is the second largest industry in Terengganu, accounting for 1.39 million visitors last year.
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July 20, 2002, CDNN, Malaysia launches coral reef conservation project, by Evan T. Allard,
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (20 July 2002) --The government of Malaysia has announced it will launch a project with Coral Cay Conservation to survey threatened reefs around the Perhentian Islands near Thailand.
The initial phase of the project will last three months and utilize volunteers to assess plant and animal life on reef systems that have been damaged by overdevelopment, siltation from logging, overfishing and pollution.
If the pilot phase of the project is successful, the UK-based Coral Cay Conservation, which has organized similar projects in Fiji, Belize, the Red Sea and Honduras, plans to extend the project for three years to help stop damage to reefs that boast some of the world's best dive sites.
Peter Raines, founder and manager of Coral Cay Conservation, told a news conference the reef system, which extends from Malaysia to Indonesia and the Philippines, is the "epicenter" of coral reef biodiversity and is far richer than Australia's renowned Great Barrier Reef.
To protect its coral reefs, Malaysia must stop dynamite and chemical fishing.
Malaysia plans to further develop its tourism industry, which attracted almost 13 million tourists in 2001.
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December 16, 2002, CDNN, Muslim fanatics issue another bikini ban in Malaysia, by Jonathan Kent,
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TERENGGANU, Malaysia (16 Dec 2002) --Malaysia has seen a sharp fall in the number of tourists visiting its resorts.
Arrivals of tourists and scuba diving travelers has fallen by almost a third to between 100,000 and 300,000 visitors a month.
The whole of South East Asia has seen a similar pattern since the terrorist attacks on Bali in neighbouring Indonesia two months ago.
And now Malaysia's tourism industry - the country's second largest foreign exchange earner - is facing new challenges as the government asks sunbathers on its golden beaches to cover themselves up.
Unimpressed
It may be the off-season in Terengganu, but the beaches are even more deserted than normal.
Two months ago the hardline Islamic state government announced that sunbathers would be asked to dress modestly.
Sunbathers were not impressed.
"For a man to come up to me on a beach and tell me to cover up I would be very embarrassed," one visitor said.
Another agreed. "I wouldn't feel very good to be told that you should cover up on a beach. It would be a different matter if you were outside a mosque or a religious place."
Sensitivity
By the time I caught up with the state's chief minister, Abdul Hadi Awang, who also leads Malaysia's Islamist party PAS, he had toned down his message.
"In isolated places, as in the beach where women and husbands want to enjoy themselves, it is OK to us," he said.
"But in public areas I think that tourists should understand that they must take care also about the sensitivity of the people."
Thanks to the ban on bikinis in Malaysia, Muslim terrorists can concentrate on bombing tourist resorts without being distracted.
The owner of a local resort said he wished the local politicians would think before they speak.
"It is not very helpful when they make certain statements knowing that the regional and the world tourism industry is in such a sensitive situation.
Anything that is misconstrued will actually add to the already grim picture of the worldwide tourism scenario," he said.
"Terengganu does not need more statements like that."
Key industry
The order for tourists to cover up came just two days before the Bali bombings.
A spokesman for the state's tourism industry confirmed the attacks have had a profound effect.
According to the country's tourism minister, Abdul Kadir, visitor numbers have dipped by as much as 30% in the past two months and that is serious, he said, because tourism is one of Malaysia's key industries.
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