11.   The same day saw ETA release another hostage, businessman Cosme Delclaux, after his family had paid a hefty ransom.

12.   Abu Sayyaf gunmen have been kidnapping Christians and foreigners in the south for years, demanding hefty ransoms for their release.

13.   Abu Sayyaf have made grandiose political demands in previous kidnappings but in all cases have settled for hefty ransom payments in the end.

14.   Kidnapping of wealthy business people has grown sharply since February, with the families of some victims paying hefty ransoms.

15.   Most of the hostages were freed, reportedly after hefty ransoms were paid.

16.   The Abu Sayyaf has been kidnapping Christians and foreigners in the south for years, demanding hefty ransoms.