13 killed as military closes in on Sayyaf

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Eleven Abu Sayyaf bandits and two soldiers were killed in clashes yesterday as troops encircled the main group holding American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham, and nine Filipino hostages in the jungles of Basilan.

A soldier was also wounded in the fighting which started at around 5 a.m. yesterday at Barangay Kapayawan.

Two helicopter gunships strafed the jungle with machine-guns and fired rockets on identified Abu Sayyaf positions as part of an intensified air strike and bombing run.

Army artillery also shelled the Abu Sayyaf’s lair with 105mm howitzers a few meters from the jungle in the outskirts of Isabela City.

Southern Command (Southcom) chief Army Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu gave the Abu Sayyaf until 5 p.m. Monday to release all the hostages "or suffer the consequences."

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez told reporters yesterday the Abu Sayyaf was trying to negotiate with the government through an unnamed intermediary.

"We tell them that we will only talk about the release of the hostages but if they have any conditions, then we cannot negotiate," he said.

Despite the Abu Sayyaf’s threat to kill the Burnhams, government troops pushed their offensive deep into the jungles of Basilan where the bandits are believed to be holed out.

Cimatu told reporters yesterday President Arroyo has given instructions that no negotiation would be made with the Abu Sayyaf after they have threatened to kill the two Americans.

"The terrain is difficult, but we can say that government forces have surrounded a huge area in the town’s jungle where the kidnappers and their hostages are believed to be hiding," he said.

Cimatu said pursuing troops will strike at anyone that dares to reinforce the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who are reportedly on the run to try to break the massive military dragnet.

"Right now there is a lull but exchange of firefight is to be expected anytime" he said. "The group of rebels apparently wants to either link up with the other rebel forces to divert the attention of our men in pursuit of Janjalani’s group."

Allies of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan are said to be trying to reach the besieged group in a possible attempt to reinforce them or divert the military’s attention so the leaders could escape.

Marine Col. Francisco Gudani, Southcom deputy chief for operations, said troops have had visual contact and had seen the Burnhams with the bandits.

"There were no immediate figures on any casualties," he said.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan told reporters yesterday military operations against the Abu Sayyaf would continue even in the very unlikely event that the government negotiates with the bandits.

"Our government has to show resolve in its desire to put an end to this terrorist group," he said. "This is not time for us to show weakness. There is national interest at stake which involves the total destruction of the Abu Sayyaf."

Adan said the Abu Sayyaf may be bluffing and there is no assurance that they would release the hostages when the military stops its offensive against them.

"Letting the Abu Sayyaf go would make the government a laughing stock," he said.

Adan said the military hopes to end the hostage crisis before President Arroyo meets with US President George W. Bush in Washington DC on November 18.

"We certainly want the hostages to be recovered, particularly on the part of the Americans," he said. – Roel Pareño, Paolo Romero