In a tough-talking statement, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday warned the Abu Sayyaf that it must release all 20 hostages or face the fury of government bullets. Her warning followed Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya's threat there would be mass killing of hostages if Arroyo made good her promise to assault the group's hideout.

The DXRZ radio station said it had received a fresh telephone call from Sabaya who had earlier claimed responsibility for Sunday's kidnapping from a beach resort at Dos Palmas.

"We will not think twice to conduct mass killing once the military will launch offensive operations," the radio station quoted him as saying. Delivering her terse message at a press conference, Arroyo said: "Release all the hostages while there is still time, otherwise, prepare to face a hail of bullets."

Arroyo also affirmed that no ransom demand will be entertained for the 17 tourists and three hotel staff abducted. The hostages include three Americans, 10 Filipinos, four Filipino Chinese and three Filipino hotel staff.

To the hostages' families, Arroyo had this to say: "We are with you in your worry. We are doing everything in our power to rescue your loved ones from the soulless Abu Sayyaf."