U.S., RP hostages may be rescued soon

U.S., RP hostages may be rescued soon

MANILA (AP): Government troops have sighted an American and a Filipino being held by Muslim extremists on a southern Philippine island and may rescue them soon, an official said on Tuesday.

The two hostages -- American Jeffrey Schilling and Filipino Roland Ulla -- were among 19 captives of the Abu Sayyaf group the military was ordered to rescue in a massive operation on Jolo island starting Sept. 16. The 17 other hostages were recovered shortly after the rescue operation was launched.

"Their condition is not that great, but they cling to life," said presidential Press Secretary Ricardo Puno.

He said the military is "pretty optimistic" that the two men will be rescued soon, adding that it will not allow negotiations or ransom payments.