The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have given a safe conduct pass to Abu Sayyaf leaders Ghalib Andang and Mujib Susukan, and 16 other followers of the hostage-taking group in the southern Philippines, a spokesman said.

"The safe conduct pass will ensure their safety from their lair in Talipao to a military camp so they will not be intercepted by soldiers and policemen," said Armed Forces Spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan.

Andang and his men would be given a safe conduct pass from Talipao, Jolo, where they have been hiding, as far as the Southern Command in Zamboanga, said Adan.

"They should not leave the Southern Command where they will be placed in custody," said Adan, adding that Andang and his men must submit to the judicial process and properly answer to crimes filed against him.

"He must be made to face the charges against him. In the interest of justice," said Armed Forces Southern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling.

"We will not give him concessions other than providing him with a safe conduct pass," said Adan, adding, "Granting him concessions will have repercussions for us as a nation."

Sources said the military was waiting for a response from Andang, if he is amenable to the conditions stated by the government.

Singson also said he rejected the $520,000 (P26m) reward money from the government for the surrender of Andang, Susukan, and sixteen other Abu Sayyaf followers. Andang and Susukan have $100,000 (P5m) bounty each on their heads, and their followers, $20,000 (P1m) each.

Earlier, President Gloria Arroyo hinted that Andang wanted more than safe conduct passes for him and his men. "I will not give a safe conduct pass for Robot (Andang's other name)," said Arroyo. Sources said Andang did not want to be charged in court.

In a separate interview, Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson revealed that his proposed safe conduct pass for Andang and company was "turned down by the military earlier."

Earlier, Singson said Andang and 17 his followers were ready to yield provided they got immunity from the kidnapping charges against them.

"I think he wants to be imprisoned and undergo trial," Singson corrected the military's interpretation of Andang's motives.

"He has a new wife. He wants to live a peaceful life. He has plenty of money. And he does not know how to spend the money," said Singson, in reference to the estimated $10m (P500m) ransom money which was paid to the group for the freedom of more than 40 mostly foreign hostages who were kidnapped in Malaysia and Jolo from April to August last year. They were released after the alleged payment of an estimated $20m. Sources said only half of the amount went to the Abu Sayyaf.