RP rules out talks with Abu Sayyaf

RP rules out talks with Abu Sayyaf

Agencies, Manila

The Philippines and United States will not bow to pressure to negotiate with Moro guerrillas for the release of an American missionary couple held hostage for over nine months, senior officials said on Friday.

"We are not going to listen to any conditions and the United States and Philippine governments are one in this position," National Security Adviser Roilo Golez told foreign correspondents.

Golez was speaking a day after a video of Martin and Gracia Burnham, held by the Abu Sayyaf on Basilan island, was shown on local television.

The couple were seen reading a statement, believed to have been written by their captors, that the Abu Sayyaf were targeting Americans and Europeans and other Westerners because of U.S. policy in the Middle East.

"No ransom. No other conditions. No concessions. If they want to surrender the Burnhams, they can do so unconditionally," Golez said, adding this position was also made clear to him by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly.

The Philippine military spokesman said on Friday that soldiers have a "big chance" of rescuing the American hostages of Moro extremists during a six-month counter-terrorism training mission of U.S. troops.

Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan said sophisticated surveillance and communications equipment brought by U.S. forces could increase the mobility of Filipino troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf guerrillas.

In Wichita, Kansas, U.S., the parents of the missionary held hostage with his wife in the Philippines said a video showing their son and daughter-in-law gives them hope the captors are willing to negotiate.

But the family said the tape, showing Martin Burnham reading a list of five sweeping demands focusing on Muslims worldwide, appears to be several months old -- contrary to claims it was shot earlier this year. The video aired on Thursday.