The strike in protest of the fuel price increases has turned violent as rioting and looting have replaced demonstrations. The police have killed at least ten rioters so far. 

The three foreign oil workers (two Filipinos and a German) kidnapped by a group of 45 armed men, and held for $197,000 ransom (plus $3,152 to cover the cost of food for the victims) have been released. Apparently the ransom was paid to the local tribesmen who were holding the hostages. But no one will admit it.