Philippines: July 6, 2001

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The army says it's patrols  have spotted and identified all 21 of the Abu Sayyaf hostages on Basilan. The troops are closing in on the Abu Sayyaf group holding the hostages. The army has sent small "deep penetration" patrols into areas Abu Sayyaf is thought to be moving in, just to spot Abu Sayyaf and report the rebel positions and direction they are going in. A Philippine politician says he has received a report stating that fifty Abu Sayyaf are receiving terrorist training in Afghanistan.