MANILA, Philippines (BNN), May 2, 2002 — Abu Sabaya, leader of the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, said in an interview on RMN radio "We have closed the negotiations so it is up to them (the government) to look for the dead body if they want to."
When asked if he planned to kill the hostages Sabaya said: "It depends. For example, if we see our situation becoming difficult, maybe we will just bid good-bye to these two."
American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were abducted while on vacation at a resort off the island of Palawan in the Philippines on May 27th, last year. Since then, the Burnhams and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap have been held captive on the island of Basilan.
Media reports have said that the rebels are demanding $2 million for the release of the couple.
Washington officials said last month that US government intermediaries were used to deliver over $300,000 of private funds to a representative of the Muslim rebels. Sabaya denies receiving any funds. Martin's father, Paul Burnham, accused the rebels on a radio show last month of reneging on a deal.
1,000 US troops including special forces are assisting the 6,000 Philippine soldiers who have been searching for the Burnhams.
Source: Bible Network News, with notes from New Tribes Mission, Reuters and AP
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