Philippine rebels threaten to kill 50 hostages

Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have threatened to kill 50 hostages unless they are given safe passage to escape an all-out offensive by the Philippine army.

The rebels based on Mindanao Island have been under attack from the army since shortly after September 11, when the US began delivering military aid to the Philippine government to fight the Muslim insurgency in the south.

The rebels are currently holding 50 hostages in a 150-acre complex on Mindanao.

They told reporters they will kill them unless the army halts its advance four miles from the city of Zamboanga, the island’s main city.