US to Sayyaf: Free Schilling

Free him, period.

The United States called on the Abu Sayyaf yesterday to release Jeffrey Craig Schilling without any conditions since the bandit group will definitely not get anything for keeping the American hostage.

Thomas Skipper, spokesman for the US Embassy in Manila, said the US government would stick to its no-ransom policy on kidnappings of its nationals and would never deal with terrorists.

Earlier, Schilling reportedly tried to commit suicide due to depression and too much exhaustion. He has been in captivity since August and the US has remained adamant not to negotiate with his captors.

"Our position remains unchanged," Skipper said. "We believe that the Philippines should take the lead in trying to secure Schilling from the kidnappers. It has always been like that."

Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya said over radio last month that they would kill Schilling to prove that he was no "walk-in hostage" as claimed by the military. It was the second time the group issued the threat.

An Islam convert, Schilling visited the Abu Sayyaf’s camp in Jolo, Sulu in August with his Filipina wife and was immediately seized by the bandits. – Aurea Calica