Philippine Rebels Demand $2 Million for Ailing Hostage

JOLO, Philippines — Islamic rebels are asking $2 million in ransom for an ailing German woman who is among their 21 hostages--a demand that Philippine negotiators have rejected.

Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon said the Abu Sayyaf rebels had increased their demand from the $1 million previously asked for the release of Renate Wallert, 57, who has high blood pressure.

The hostages--three Germans, two French citizens, two South Africans, two Finns, a Lebanese, 10 Malaysians and a Filipina--were abducted April 23 from Sipadan Island, a Malaysian diving resort. They were then taken to the southern Philippine island of Jolo.

Despite intense international pressure to secure the release of the hostages--especially Wallert--chief negotiator Robert Aventajado said the government has ruled out any ransom payment, as have each of the governments of the foreign hostages.