Filipino terrorists offer talks to free hostages

A Muslim extremist group has offered to hold final negotiations to release two Americans and a Filipino nurse they have held hostage for more than 11 months, a radio station reported today.

The Radio Mindanao Network quoted Abu Sabaya, leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, as saying the rebels were open to ‘‘last deal’’ talks with regional Muslim Governor Parouk Hussin, presidential adviser Norberto Gonzales and an unidentified Malaysian.

Hussin said he was willing to participate but only at President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s request.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has been linked to Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network, is holding Kansas couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and nurse Ediborah Yap on Basilan island - the last of dozens of hostages seized during a kidnapping spree last year.

Sabaya, who said the hostages were ‘‘in good health’’, called the station in this southern port city twice on Sunday. Station manager Rey Bayogin said only one call was taped and broadcast today.

Last week, Martin Burnham’s father, Paul, said the Abu Sayyaf reneged on a March 13 agreement to release the couple and Yap. He did not specify conditions for release.

Sabaya also denied US reports that the group has received cash in exchange for the hostages.

The United States has sent about 1,000 soldiers, including 160 from Special Forces and 340 military engineers, for a six-month mission to train Filipino troops to better fight the Abu Sayyaf.

Sabaya said despite the US military presence and a massive rescue operation: ‘‘I am still kicking and alive... It’s really an embarrassment because the superpower can’t do anything to us.’’

General Richard Myers, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited US soldiers involved in the exercise in Zamboanga and nearby Basilan island.

He said al-Qaida networks operate in 60 countries around the world, including several in south-east Asia.