All MNLF forces should be advised to stay put in their camps to avoid untoward incident.

There was an attempt to have them released, but the engine of their boat conked out on their way back to Sabah (East Malaysia).

It will take a lot of persuasion ... that's why I am not promising a miracle at all. We should be prepared for any eventuality because these people will cling to these hostages tooth and nail, I'm sure.

There is no clear-cut victor in the battlefield, either on their part or on our part. There has been a stalemate and this stalemate has been going on for years on end.

I am trying to see whether it's possible for me to get the release of some people bit by bit.