NEGOTIATIONS are believed to be under way to free three kidnap victims - including a former Hong Kong couple - thought to be held by Khmer Rouge guerillas in Cambodia.
Australian Kelly Wilkinson, 24, and British-born boyfriend Dominic Chappell, 25 - who used to live on Lamma Island - along with Briton Tina Dominy, 24, have all been seen alive and well since being abducted a fortnight ago.
They were taken at gunpoint while travelling in a car from Phnom Penh to the seaside town of Sihanoukville, where the couple run a restaurant. It is thought they came across rebels - believed to be members of the Khmer Rouge - who were in the process of stealing a truck on April 11.
Although no ransom demand has been received, a logging company paid for the return of the truck - the first signs that negotiations could be under way with the kidnappers.
According to Dominic's father, David Chappell, who lives on Lamma Island, both he and Miss Wilkinson's family have been encouraged by the reported sightings, the most recent of which was last Tuesday.
However, the families remain cautious about the difficult process of bargaining with the rebels, and are critical of the handling of the case.