Rebel leader threatens to behead more hostages

A Muslim extremist leader responsible for the abduction of dozens of hostages threatened today to kill more of them if the Philippine Government does not accept his choice of negotiators.

Speaking by satellite telephone from the jungles of Basilan island in the southern Philippines, Abu Sabaya said he will only issue a list of demands once a former Malaysian senator, a Malaysian businessman and a Filipino official are brought in to mediate.