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ZAMBOANGA (AFP) - The Abu Sayyaf kidnappers said that an American hostage had gone on hunger strike and reiterated a threat to kill him, warning the Philippine government to open negotiations soon. "Our threat is still there," said Abu Sabaya, a spokesperson for the group. He told local radio station DXRZ that "we're waiting for an emissary [from the government]." Sabaya was referring to earlier threats to behead American hostage, Jeffrey Schilling who was held by the group on Monday, reportedly after entering their hideout in the southern island of Jolo with his Filipina fiancée, who is related to Sabaya. Sabaya added that Schilling "is on a hunger strike." He did not elaborate on why Schilling was on a hunger strike or on the American's condition. He denied reports that his group was demanding a $10 million ransom for the American, saying, "This is the addition of someone else." During his rambling interview, Sabaya alleged that mysterious groups were trying to involve themselves in the negotiations for the American but insisted he would only talk to a designated government negotiator. "Someone is trying to do a power play," he said, charging that unnamed groups opposed to Philippine President Joseph Estrada were trying to cloud the talks. He added that "we are being approached by anti-American groups" asking Abu Sayyaf not to release the American. These unnamed anti-American groups had said Abu Sayyaf did not need to ransom the American because "they are willing to provide money and firearms," Sabaya said. He said he would give a safety guarantee to the local chapters of the Red Cross so that they could deliver food and medicine needed for Schilling. Tess Usapdin, spokeswoman for the Philippine Red Cross, said that they were preparing to make such deliveries and were coordinating with the military to get all necessary clearances. On Friday, Sabaya said in a radio interview that the government should send food and medicine for the 24-year-old tourist because he would not eat local food, mainly root crops. The U.S. State Department said Schilling has long-term health problems, without being specific. Usapdin said they would try to determine exactly what medicine Schilling needs, adding they would likely send canned goods and instant noodles as food for the captive. Sabaya had earlier warned that his group would behead Schilling unless the U.S. government freed Ramzi Yousef, in prison for his key role in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York. The U.S. government has rejected the payment of any ransom or the granting of any of the kidnappers' demands. Aside from Schilling, the Abu Sayyaf is still holding six Europeans and 18 Filipinos. Most of the foreigners were in a group of 21 Western, Malaysian and Filipino hostages seized by the Abu Sayyaf from a Malaysian resort on April 23rd. Jolo Island would not be affected by the abduction of Schilling. There have been widespread reports that huge ransom payments were made for hostages freed earlier. |
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