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June 5, 2001, The Philippine Star, US unfazed by killing of hostages, by Aurea Calica,

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Burnham Sobero

June 5, 2001, The Philippine Star, US unfazed by killing of hostages, by Aurea Calica,

Unfazed by the Abu Sayyaf's gruesome execution of two Filipino hostages, the United States reiterated yesterday its demand for the unconditional release of the bandit group's remaining hostages, including three Americans.

In an interview, US Embassy public affairs chief Michael Anderson expressed regret over the loss of lives in the escalating hostage drama but said they were pleased that nine of the Abu Sayyaf's hostages have been rescued.

"We hope the unconditional release of the other hostages, including the three Americans will follow," Anderson said.

He was referring to missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and Guillermo Sobrero [misspelled] who were kidnapped from the upscale Dos Palmas island resort off Puerto Princesa City on May 27.

Anderson doused any hope of the Abu Sayyaf getting ransom from missionary groups in the United States, saying such groups would not pay any ransom despite the risks to their members abroad.

The Burnhams and Sobrero are among some 59 hostages still being held by the Abu Sayyaf.

The Americans were among the 20 original hostages from Palawan who were brought to Basilan where the bandits snatched more hostages from a hospital-church compound in Lamitan town.

Nine of the original hostages managed to escape in Lamitan but the Americans remained with the bandits.

Paul Burnham of Rose Hill, Kansas said the bandits have not contacted his family about any ransom for his son and daughter-in-law but affirmed his government's position of non-payment of ransom.

"We know that's how they work," said Burnham, referring to reports that some of the hostages' families had already paid the bandits through bank transfers.

The Arroyo administration has stood pat on its policy of non-payment of ransom and instead ordered military operations against the bandits who are now fleeing through the jungles of Basilan.

The United States has also offered unspecified assistance to resolve the crisis and a team of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents is already in the country to acquire information from local authorities.

Specifically, the FBI agents would want to interview the nine Filipino hostages who escaped from the Abu Sayyaf to determine the condition of the three American hostages.

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