The American missionaries and Filipina nurse held by the Abu Sayyaf Group for seven months will be rescued before New Year, said presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao.

Some 5,000 soldiers who were tasked with rescuing the hostages have remained at their post in the hinterlands of Basilan for a month, said Tiglao.

"The soldiers are doing their best. The Rangers have not returned to base for as long as a month now and supplies are just being dropped (to them by helicopters)."

The soldiers managed to isolate the Abu Sayyaf leaders and members, including their hostages, Christian missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burnham, and Deborah Yap. "The Abu Sayyaf Group has a limited space to move in the forested areas of Basilan," noted Tiglao.

An estimated 500 paramilitary men were also used to seal off weak areas to prevent the Abu Sayyaf members from slipping through the ground force cordon.

"This is a military operation and we can't really expect that everything is under control," Tiglao admitted. He added that the thick vegetation, hard terrain, and continuous rains have assisted the hostage-takers more than the rescuers.

Philippine and U.S. authorities have alleged the Abu Sayyaf Group has links with Saudi-born Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaida network.

The Armed Forces failed to meet a self-imposed December 24 to 25 deadline to free the hostages.