Today gunman took 57 hostages in the Philippines, later releasing 17 of the childeren. They are believed to be a group of bandits who were former memembers if a militia. They have been pursued by authorities in the past few days following a gunbattle. Negotiators are talking with the group and trying to ascertain their demands, believed to be the dropping of possible charges against them. For a full report of the news story click HERE.

The city where this took place is called Prosperidad. It is located in the north eastern part of Mindanao.