Articles from the author

Roland Ullah, a diving instructor in a Malaysian resort, has formally joined his abductors, the Abu Sayyaf group, in Jolo, southern Philippines, the military said in a radio interview.

An American who had been held captive by Abu Sayyaf rebels for nearly eight months was set free yesterday but there was confusion as to whether his freedom came as a result of government negotiations or military action.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is 'seriously considering' the surrender feeler of Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang, a senior official said.

President Gloria Arroyo said the government would not be black-mailed into negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf group after another faction abducted 30 people, beheading five of them near Lamitan town, Basilan, southern Philippines on Thursday.

The Committee of Eight of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has scheduled a meeting in December to discuss the alleged rebellion of Governor Nur Misuari.