Abu Sayyaf rebels continue to hold hostages on Basilan island snatched from a resort near Palawan. Further, a group of U.S. Navy officers being guided by armed Philippine Navy officers on a hike up Mt. Pinatubo were fired upon by a group of bandits who succeeded in taking away the officers’ weapons. The area is known to be frequented by New People’s Army guerrillas and should be avoided. In Mindanao, special task forces composed of navy, coast guard, army and local police have been established to secure beach and mountain resorts popular with foreign and domestic tourists. The action, which was prompted by the May 22 attack on Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island, will be concentrated on the areas within Davao Gulf.
