The Abu Sayyaf group's claim it had beheaded American tourist Guillermo Sobero is "a bluff of Sabaya", said a military spokesman yesterday who added that the headless torso was that of a Muslim cleric suspected of being a fake negotiator sent to their lair by a Muslim congressman.

"It is possible that Mr Sobero is still alive," said military spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan. "We will just not believe what Sabaya (Abu Sayyaf spokesman) has said. We hope he did not do it," commented Adan.

"The three American hostages are the group's prized possessions. As much as possible, they will keep them alive as bargaining chips."

Sabaya had said earlier that Sobero's headless body had been dumped in the forest near Tuburan town, Basilan in response to the Philippine government's inability to act on their request for a ceasefire in Basilan, and the entry of two Malaysian negotiators.

The headless body, which was found in Tipo-Tipo town last Tuesday, belonged to Ustadz Buhaymin Saji, a local negotiator who was sent by former Congressman Cando Mujarib to talk with the Abu Sayyaf leaders for the release of their hostages.

"Saji was tied to a tree and then beheaded by rebels, prompting his companions to escape," said Basilan Mayor Joel Maturan. "Saji's companions reported that Sabaya ordered the beheading of the priest on suspicion that he was spying for the military." Saji and three others went to a jungle hideout of the Abu Sayyaf to try to negotiate for the release of the hostages, but they were seized by the Abu Sayyaf group. Mujarib noted that Saji had tried to convince the Abu Sayyaf to free the captives.

"I decided to send him because he might be able to help solve the hostage crisis," commented Mujarib, adding that the negotiator was not appointed by the national government. Saji's body was yesterday buried at Puristad, village Canamburingan, Tipo, Basilan.

Meanwhile, Sobero's family said yesterday the FBI told them it was very likely he was a victim of "foul play" but his relatives clung to the slim hope that he was still alive. "We know he is still alive," said Alberto Sobero, the hostage's brother in a television interview in Manila.

He told ABC's 'Good Morning America' programme that the U.S. State Department told them it could take several hours to days before the two other bodies could be positively identified.
Alberto Sobero said he was still clinging to the hope his brother was alive.

"All that we have left now is just hope. If indeed they have killed him they have left four children without a father and a grieving mother. We are still clinging to that very slim hope that he will return," Sobero said.