Rebels Seeking Ransom, TV Says
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MANILA — The Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf is seeking a $2-million ransom for the release of an American missionary couple, a Philippine television station reported Tuesday.
The TV network ABS-CBN said it had obtained copies of four letters between rebel leader Abu Sabaya and his sister, who lives on Basilan island, where the guerrillas have held Martin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kan., for more than eight months.
“The Abu Sayyaf will not free Martin and Gracia Burnham if they do not receive $2 million,” the network reported, citing the letters.
The television network said the letters were written last month in the native Tausug and Yakan languages.
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