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Abu Sayyaf Demands 10 Mln US Dollars for American Hostage
Abu Sayyaf rebels demanded Friday 10 million U.S. dollars in ransom for the release of an American they seized in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga last Monday.
The rebels agreed to start talks for the release of Jeffrey Schilling and promised not to harm him while negotiations continue, the local Manila Times reported Saturday.
The Abu Sayyaf gunmen, who had earlier threatened to behead the alleged spy of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, also asked that American food and medicine be sent for Schilling who is said to have health problems, the newspaper said, quoting U.S. embassy officials.
The rebel group spokesman, Abu Sabaya, reportedly said he was ready to meet newly named government negotiator Rolando Sarmiento and start talks on the release of Schilling who has been transferred to the jungle lair of the rebels in the southern island of Jolo.
He also recommended President Estrada's former adviser, Le Peng Wee, as a go-between in negotiations. Wee has negotiated successfully for the release of nine Malaysians kidnapped by another faction of the rebel group from Malaysia's Sipadan resort on April 23.
The Abu Sayyaf has released 17 hostages but is still holding one Filipino and six Europeans, including two French journalists seized in Jolo in July.
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