Senator Blas Ople said the government should consider the offer of the son of Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, who recently offered to negotiate for the release of the two American missionaries held by the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan, southern Philippines, for eight months.

"We should say yes to the offer. It's time we use diplomatic action for the release of the three hostages," noted Ople, in res-ponse to the offer of Seif Al Islam, the son of Gaddafi.

"Libya should be given the chance to repeat what it has done for the release of the hostages who were taken from Sipadan, Malaysia, in 2000," said Ople.

"Our good relations with the inhabitants of the southern Philippines allow us to enter into contacts with them," the young Gaddafi was quoted as saying.

He likewise condemned the hostage-taking activities of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The Gaddafi Foundation, headed by Seif Al Islam, successfully negotiated for the release of the 40 mostly foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf group, who were taken separately from Sipadan and Jolo between April and August 2000.

At that time, the alleged ransom payment rose to $25 million, although other sources said non government organisations from Malaysia, Europe and other countries offered assistance.

Many of the released foreign nationals then had to pass through Libya before they went to their respective countries, immediately after their release.

As a result, the young Gaddafi's Foundation, which has a branch in the southern Philippines, became famous for its successful endeavour. The Foundation has sent millions of dollars to Muslim groups in Mindanao.

There was no categorical response from the presidential office to the said offer, but sources said President Gloria Arroyo asked her advisers for a response to the reported offer.