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.