President Gloria Arroyo warned the Abu Sayyaf bandits that their policy of terrorism would be met with the full force of the military until they were wiped out, even as she asked her people to steel themselves for a "long and bloody battle".

She also said there would be no negotiations. The original request for two Malaysian negotiators, made at the guerrillas' demand, has been overtaken by events, she said. "That is academic. Abu Sabaya said there will be no more negotiations," she added. She also warned residents of Basilan and Jolo that they would be punished if they gave shelter and food to the bandits.

Referring to Muslim civilians in Basilan and Jolo, many of whom are relatives and friends of the Abu Sayyaf members who have reportedly been giving voluntarily, if not forced, shelter, food, arms, water or information to the bandits, Arroyo stated: "Those who are giving shelter, food, arms, water or information to these bandits can expect no mercy from us."

"They will not be forgiven, but will be punished," she added. "We will continue to meet fire with fire, and more," Arroyo proclaimed at her regular press conference. She stated that the government's policy remains a "no-ransom, no deal, no ceasefire, no suspension of military operations against the Abu Sayyaf bandits".

"The nation is faced with this serious and grave challenge from these bandits. Let us unite in fighting these bandits," Arroyo urged. She noted that residents should be prepared for a long and bloody fight to decimate the Abu Sayyaf once and for all.

"The Abu Sayyaf bandits obviously respect only one law, and that is the law of retaliation, or an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," commented Arroyo. She said that the group has become a "scourge to the Filipino race and a curse to their religion".

She clarified that when she announced that she was willing to talk to the bandits with the help of two Malaysian negotiators who were named by the group, it did not mean that she was ready to capitulate, or to have a truce with the group. "The talks should centre only on the unconditional release of the hostages," Arroyo stated when criticised for her alleged softening and change of stance.

She defended the military and the police who have been criticised for their inefficient handling of the Abu Sayyaf problem. "Well, I have not lost my trust and confidence in the military and the police," confirmed Arroyo when asked if she has chastised them for allowing the Abu Sayyaf bandits and their hostages to escape to other places.

The paramount objectives of the military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, she said, are to ensure the safe rescue of all the hostages and to annihilate the Abu Sayyaf. Arroyo also announced the revival of a "super body" that will coordinate all existing government efforts against all forms of criminality, especially kidnap-for-ransom activities.