Rebels Free 5 More Hostages

Leftist rebels on Saturday released five Roman Catholic worshipers but continued to hold dozens of people who were kidnapped during Mass a week ago, officials said.

Two men, two women and a child walked free down the mountains just outside the western city of Cali, where they had been held since May 30. The freed hostages were accompanied by local officials, the Red Cross and staff from the federal human rights ombudsman.

“The rebels have freed these people, but the liberation of the whole group is suspended until there is movement on the part of the government,” the ombudsman, Jose Fernando Castro, said.

Castro did not say what the rebels wanted in return for the release of remaining captives.

An estimated 55 worshipers remained in the hands of the 5,000-member rebel group the National Liberation Army.

President Andres Pastrana said in a televised address Friday that he would only be willing to negotiate with the rebels if they freed all their hostages.

Besides the worshipers still being held, the rebels have 25 passengers and crew from an Avianca airliner that was hijacked April 12.

Saturday’s release came a day after rival right-wing paramilitary forces released popular senator Piedad Cordoba, who was kidnapped two weeks ago.