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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office in the southern Philippines has ruled that soldiers did not violate the rights of suspected Abu Sayyaf member Buyong-buyong Isnijal when they raided his house in Basilan on July 25.

Three Filipino children who left Malaysia along with their families recently died during the sea voyage back to the Philippines, officials said.

Filipino-Chinese businessman Lepeng Wee has denied reports linking him to ongoing backdoor negotiations for the release of American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap who are being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterlands of Basilan, southern Philippines.

A new spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf group has criticised the presence of American troops who are engaged in war games with Filipino soldiers to crush the militant group and rescue two Americans and one Filipina hostages in Basilan Island, southern Philippines.

An Abu Sayyaf leader has sent surrender feelers, saying he will also turn over the two American missionaries and a Filipina nurse being held hostage in Basilan, a radio report said.

The Abu Sayyaf group has been holding missing TV journalist, Arlene de la Cruz, in southern Philippines, according to a senior official, even as it was reported that she had carried a $1 million (P50 million) ransom payment for the release of two American hostages and a Filipina nurse.

Four enlisted men and one Army lieutenant were killed yesterday when the military truck they were travelling in was blasted by a landmine in a village in Patikul, Jolo, southern Philippines.

A top Abu Sayyaf leader has brought two American missionaries to Jolo after escaping from nearby Basilan island where the U.S.-Philippine wargames will start on Friday, sources said.

Intelligence operatives in Basilan have captured the right-hand man of a top Abu Sayyaf leader, the military reported.

A senior Philippine army officer dispelled fears that the Philippines will be the next staging ground of America's global war on terrorism, despite the recent statements of U.S. President George Bush that Philippines, Yemen and Georgia will be part of the "second stage" of the U.S. anti-terror campaign.

Residents called for the presence of American soldiers side by side with Filipino soldiers who were tasked to look for the Abu Sayyaf members and rescue their Filipino and two American hostages, said two local government officials who sounded out the sentiments of the people in Tuburan, Basilan, southern Philippines.

Abu Sayyaf frees hostage in Jolo