Muslim Rebels Free Malaysian Hostage

Muslim rebels released a Malaysian man who had been held in a Philippine jungle camp since April, when he was kidnapped from a Malaysian diving resort along with 20 other mostly foreign hostages. Abdul Jawah Salawat, 38, a police corporal, was the second of the 21 hostages to be freed by the extremist rebel group Abu Sayyaf. “I’m happy, but I remember my friends, and I’m hoping and praying that they will also be released,” Abdul Jawah said. His release was negotiated by Malaysian officials, who said they promised to persuade the Malaysian government to provide livelihood projects to areas around Sulu province in the Philippines where the rebels operate.