WIRE: 10/14/2001 9:17 pm ET

Muslim extremists in Philippines threaten to behead American hostages if army offensive continues

The Associated Press

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP) A Muslim extremist rebel leader threatened to behead an American couple before the president's scheduled visit to the United States next month if the army does not halt its offensive on the group.

Abu Sabaya, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf rebels, warned Monday that he would kill Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kan., to coincide with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Nov. 20 visit with President Bush.

"It would be very embarrassing if President Arroyo goes to the U.S. with the bodies of Martin and Gracia," Sabaya told Radio Mindanao Network by telephone.

The southern-based group already has killed a third American, Guillermo Sobero of Corona, Calif. The Abu Sayyaf still is holding at least 10 Filipinos captive. The group was seized from a southwestern beach resort in May.

The Abu Sayyaf, thought to number 1,000 fighters, has kidnapped dozens of foreigners and Filipinos in recent years and raised millions of dollars in ransom. The group also is suspected of having links to Osama bin Laden, the Saudi exile accused of plotting the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

The guerrillas claim to be fighting for Muslim independence in the southern Philippines, but the government considers them bandits.

On Monday, a man Sabaya identified as Martin Burnham told RMN he was "very tired, weak and scared."

"Gracia's feet are blistered from walking so much. My hands are tied in chains always so I won't escape," he said.

He appealed to the government to halt its intensifying offensive against the guerrillas on the southern island of Basilan, where the hostages are held. "We cannot be saved by artillery," he said.

His voice cracked as he wished his daughter a happy birthday.

Sobero's skeletal remains were found more than a week ago on Basilan, ending speculation that he may be alive despite the guerrillas' claim that they beheaded him in June. The original threat to behead Sobero was also coupled with a demand that the army call off its offensive.

The United States is helping the Philippines train and supply weapons to some of the more than 7,000 Filipino soldiers pursuing the Abu Sayyaf on Basilan, which is about 560 miles south of Manila.

The army has apparently heightened its offensive on the guerrillas in recent weeks and has claimed success. "We're seeing the start of the end," National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said.

On Saturday, the fleeing guerrillas seized four farmers and beheaded two of them. The other two escaped.

Early Sunday, troops rescued four Filipino hostages while hunting the Abu Sayyaf, military officials said.

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-- Anonymous, October 14, 2001