Two of 48 hostages freed in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Manabo tribesmen released two hostages Saturday during negotiations to free 46 others kidnapped in a clan dispute, Filipino authorities said.

One of the freed hostages was ill and the second was released to attend a relative's funeral, police in Prosperidada, Agusan del Sur, told The Manila Bulletin.

The hostages were seized Thursday by Manobo tribesman led by Undo Perez, whose clan is at odds with a clan led by Joel Tubay.

Perez told hostage negotiators he wants Tubay arrested, Tubay's clan disarmed, and murder charges against Perez and his supporters dropped, the Bulletin reported. Prosecutors allege Perez killed Tubay's son and three of Tubay's relatives in February.

Perez, on the other hand, alleged Tubay's clan killed a Manobo tribal chief and three tribe members. The two clans have been at odds for decades over access to logging areas.

The hostages were believed safe Saturday and were being fed and cared for, police spokesman Nestor Fajura said.

"We are optimistic that we can resolve this through negotiation," Fajura said.