Presidential adviser for national security, Roilo Golez, trashed the amnesty request of Abu Sayyaf group spokesperson, Abu Sabaya, who wanted to surrender in exchange for the release of a Filipina nurse and two American soldiers in the southern Philippines.

"He should surrender unconditionally," stated Golez, exasperated with Sabaya's renewed surrender feelers, which were sent earlier through letters to different political leaders.

Sabaya and another Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilun Hapilon, said they wanted general amnesty, including safe transport to an undisclosed place where they could live in exile.

Earlier, a Cabinet member revealed having received surrender feelers from Sabaya who has been sending these through letters that were delivered by courier since he lost his satellite phone four months ago, said Armed Forces spokesman, Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan.

Denying the request, Southern Command Chief, Lt Gen. Roy Cimatu, said the reports were part of psychological warfare waged by the Abu Sayyaf Group.

"The purpose is to sow disinformation," noted Lt. Gen. Cimatu. Lt. Gen. Cimatu gave assurances that no special treatment or privileges would be granted to the Abu Sayyaf leaders who wanted to surrender.

He added that arrested Abu Sayyaf rebels will be prosecuted for their crimes.

Our Zamboanga Correspondent adds: The Filipino soldiers have a clearer picture of the jungles of central Basilan where the main Abu Sayyaf group are hiding with their hostages, said Maj. Gen. Glicerio Sua, head of Task Force Comet. He confirmed earlier that the U.S.-made spy plane, P3 Orion, has been making surveillance flights over Basilan since last week.

Rescue operations by the Philippine military were conducted in the forested Sampinit complex in central Basilan where Sabaya's group is reportedly holed up with American missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burnham, and Filipina nurse, Ediborah or Deborah Yap.

"Definitely, we will be more successful in tracking where they are and pinpointing their exact location," said Marine Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, Balikatan co-director.

"We are now getting a bigger and more complete picture of the entire island of Basilan as far as surveillance (is) concerned," said Brig. Gen. Teodosio. "From what we know, even the movement of the wild animals in the jungle, trees swaying to the breeze and cooking fires in houses are picked up at times."

"Strategy for the rescue operation is materialising at this time," said Alberto del Rosario, Ambassador to Washington, who went to Zamboanga City and nearby Basilan island to oversee the joint U.S.-Philippine war games.

"But I think the U.S. legislators are fully aware of the strategic cooperation that is being undertaken to try to guarantee the safety and safe return of the American couple," Del Rosario added.

One of three Chinook special operations helicopter deployed by the U.S. Pacific Command for the wargames crashed into the Bohol Strait off Negros Oriental, central Philippines, last week, killing all 10 U.S. servicemen on board.