A Chinese hostage, one of a group of countrymen kidnapped in the southern Philippines, could soon be released, according to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Zhang Zhongyi is the last of the hostages, of whom two were killed, one escaped.
Thursday, the president presented to Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui Filipino-Chinese Edwin Lim, who was kidnapped together with Chinese national Zhang in North Cotabato on August 12, when they tried to rescue Zhang's brother Zhang Zhongqiang and his two companions, from the kidnappers.
Lim was released late Wednesday in Kabacan, a town in North Cotabato province, by the kidnappers, who had been asking for US$10 million in ransom for the lives of the hostages.
Zhang Zhongqiang and Chinese companion Xue Xing were killed in a gunfight between government troops and the kidnappers on August 19. The other Chinese companion Wang Shengli managed to escape.
Arroyo told Wang that Lim's safe release was the result of a joint effort by government officials, the military and local officials in the south. Informal negotiations are now underway for the safe release of Zhang Zhongyi.
Wang said he was glad for Lim's release and grateful for the efforts made by the Philippine Government. He believed the government will reach the goal of Zhang's safe release through further efforts.
(China Daily 09/28/2001)
