January 1, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippines rules out US military participation in rescue of hostages,

January 1, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippines rules out US military participation in rescue of hostages,

US Congressman Todd Tyer of Kansas spoke from Zamboanga City of his "high hopes" that a combination of American and Filipino troops will be able to rescue the American missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burnham.

The two are still being held hostage together with the Filipino hostage, Deborah Yap, by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Tyer said he wants to see greater cooperation between the two militaries though he said steps are already being taken in the right direction on the matter.

However, Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes said he understood Tyer was under a lot of pressure from his Kansas constituents to constantly push for the Burnhams' recovery but added that rescue operation are not that simple.

He pointed out that the military cannot just bomb the lairs of the Abu Sayyaf as their hostages might get killed.

He also ruled out the participation of the US Special Forces in any military operation in Mindanao.

Presently, US military experts have been giving training programmes and assessments of the operations on ground to the Philippine military.