41.  Philippine officials claim the guerrillas have been using the hostages as human shields, complicating rescue efforts.

42.  Philippine officials currently are pursuing peace negotiations with leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and another Muslim guerrilla group.

43.  Philippine officials had said initially that the military rescued the two hostages after a clash with the rebels.

44.  Philippine officials have also condemned the network of government-sanctioned agencies they say exploits workers.

45.  Philippine officials have denied any plans to devalue the local currency.

46.  Philippine officials have issued health warnings.

47.  Philippine officials have said an aviation company in the Middle East and an investment group in Singapore have expressed interest in providing some of the new capital.

48.  Philippine officials on Tuesday indefinitely banned new mining and quarrying in an eastern mountain town after residents complained these activities were destroying their farms and homes.

49.  Philippine officials said the agreement would greatly reduce armed conflicts.

50.  Philippine officials said they are considering a separate request for money from the fund to help ailing national air carrier Philippine Airlines recover from massive financial losses.