Jolo - Muslim rebels in the Philippines reneged on a deal to free seven hostages yesterday and then could not be contacted because of an accident and brawls involving motorcycles bought with ransom money, negotiators said.
It was not clear when they would be released, although the chief hostage negotiator, Mr Robert Aventajado, said he was hopeful the six Europeans, from France, Finland and Germany, and one Filipino would be freed by the Abu Sayyaf rebels today.