Sayyaf reneged on secret deal with Burnham family

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Can anyone trust the Abu Sayyaf?

The father of American hostage Martin Burnham revealed yesterday that he had cut a deal with the kidnappers, whom he now accuses of reneging on their promise to release his son.

Paul Burnham of Kansas called Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) here, saying the Abu Sayyaf had added extra, unspecified conditions to a deal that included the release of Martin, his wife Gracia and Filipina nurse Deborah Yap.

In a phone call from the US aired by the dxRZ radio station, the elder Burnham said an agreement for the release of the three captives had been reached through a mediator, Abu Sulaiman, as early as March 13.

He said Sulaiman told the family on March 19 that the Abu Sayyaf had agreed to a five-day "grace period" before freeing the hostages.

"On March 26, Abu Sulaiman advised us to tell Martin and Gracia’s children that they would be released soon," the elder Burnham said. "The children and the family have been anxiously waiting for them to abide by their word."

The US missionary couple and Yap have been held captive in the jungles of Basilan province since May.

"It now seems that they do not intend to keep their promise to us," the elder Burnham said. "Can any family believe the promises of the Abu Sayyaf in the future? Is it futile to make agreements with them?"

He said the family of Martin and Gracia are deeply saddened and disappointed to learn that the Abu Sayyaf has broadcast its intention to continue holding them until additional demands are met.

It was unclear where Abu Sayyaf had broadcast that intention.

The Abu Sayyaf has been dragging the hostages through the jungles of Basilan island, pursued by some 5,000 government troops. Since January, 1,000 American soldiers have joined them in Basilan and Zamboanga City to offer logistical help and military advice in crushing the extremist group.

The elder Burnham said his family have appealed to the US and Philippine governments to exercise "control and moderation" in their operations.

"The family’s motivation to continue these efforts diminishes with each passing day that Martin, Gracia and Deborah remain in captivity," he added.

Martin Burnham’s mother, Oreta, also spoke to the radio station, addressing the hostages.

"We love you and miss you," she said. "You’ve been gone so long. And it’s been hard for you. You are not forgotten. I love you very much and hope to see you very soon."

Reached by The Associated Press in Wichita, the Burnhams confirmed they called the station but declined to comment further.

The elder Burnham declined to say what they had agreed with the Abu Sayyaf but in late-March, there were reports from the US that ransom had been paid for the two Americans and the Filipina.

Senior US officials said on April 12 they were monitoring negotiations for the Burnhams’ release that were being conducted by a group known to the rebels and that the talks were at a delicate stage.

The discussions involved possible payments of several hundred thousand dollars and other considerations, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. One official said the negotiations were being monitored by the highest levels at the White House, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies.

Two weeks ago, the US tabloid Washington Times reported that Washington facilitated a $300,000 ransom payment to the Abu Sayyaf terrorists for the release of the American couple.

The money – which sources said came from a private organization – was delivered through a third party before Easter but the Burnhams have still not been released, two unnamed senior US officials told the daily.

The decision to make the secret, indirect payment was opposed by the Pentagon but backed by the State Department, the officials said.

The State Department thought it could save the couple’s lives and maybe lead to the capture of Abu Sayyaf ringleaders, The Washington Times reported.

The Philippine government, which has a policy of opposing all ransom payments, has denied the ransom report.

US television network Fox News Channel reported in late March that the US and Philippine governments arranged for the payment of $3 million in ransom.

However, officials consulted by The Washington Times said the correct amount was $300,000.

While Malacañang denied having arranged the $3 million ransom payment, US embassy officials made no categorical denial.

Fox News said the $3 million was paid on the week of March 18 but gave no other details on how it was delivered to the Abu Sayyaf.