DAR AL HARB - PHILLIPINES: GENERAL AND ENTOURAGE BEING HELD BY MOSLEMS

Philippine general, 20 others not allowed to leave Muslim rebel camp

MANILA, Philippines: A Philippine government official said Saturday he was hopeful that a Marine general and his entourage sent to negotiate with Muslim rebels would be released after being held against their will.

Brig. Gen. Ben Dolorfino and his group would spend another night at the rebel camp near Panamao town on southern Jolo island while "negotiations" were underway between government emissaries and Habier Malik, a commander of the Moro National Liberation Front, or MNLF, said Jesus Dureza, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's peace adviser.

"I cannot give anything yet, but it's very positive," he said by cell phone from Jolo town.

"My emissary is now on the way back. Barring complications I see an early resolution" in which the general and his group could leave the camp safely, he said. "Give me overnight, things may happen."

Benjamin Loong, governor of Sulu province, which includes Jolo, said Dolorfino and the others have been in Malik's camp since 4 p.m. (0800 GMT) Friday. They were being given "VIP treatment" but were not allowed to leave.

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