Philippines says hostages 'alive'

The Philippine government has said it is confident three workers for the International Committee for the Red Cross held by the Abu Sayyaf group, are alive, a day after a deadline to behead one of the captives expired.Ronaldo Puno, the Philippine interior minister, said on Wednesday that government authorities had "highly reliable" information the three hostages were safe, but admitted there was no proof."We're still hoping for a negotiated peaceful conclusion to this entire thing," he said in the southern port city of Zamboanga near Jolo island.The hostages include Andreas Notter, a Swiss national; Eugenio Vagni, an Italian; and Mary Jean Lacaba, a Filipina.The three ICRC workers have been held in the jungles of Jolo since January 15.They were abducted after a visit to a local prison where the ICRC is funding a water project.