US offers dlrs 5 million for capture of Muslim rebels

Описание: (29 May 2002)

1. Wide shot press briefing at the US Embassy in Manila
2. Various reporters
3. Set-up shot US Ambassador to Philippines, Francis Ricciardone
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Francis Ricciardone, US Ambassador to the Philippines:
"We believe that ordinary citizens of the Philippines and elsewhere may have information that can help bring the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to justice. To encourage citizens to come forth and provide such information, the United States government is offering to pay up to five million dollars for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the following Abu Sayyaf terrorists: -Amir Khadafi Abubaker Janjalani, also known as Abu Muktar, also known as Khadafi Montanio or Jimar Manalad. -Janial Antel Sali Junior, also known as Abu Solaiman. -Aldam Tilao, also known as Abu Sabaya or Abu Ahmad Salayudin. -Isnilon Totoni Hapilon, also known as Abu Musab, or the Deputy of Abu Tuan. -Hamsiraji Marusi Sali, also known as Jose Ramirez or Sitti Birkis or Tiberkis."
6. Wide shot reporter looking at reward poster with photos of Abu Sayyaf leaders
7. Close-up photos of Abu Sayyaf leaders, then pull out to wide shot showing reward offer of US$5 million for their capture
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Francis Ricciardone, US Ambassador to the Philippines:
"We hope that this Rewards for Justice Program, now active in the Philippines, will support the Philippine government efforts to bring to justice the terrorists responsible for the murder of Filipinos and Americans".
9. Wide shot press during briefing

STORYLINE:

The US government offered a reward of up to five million US dollars Wednesday for the capture of leaders of a Muslim extremist group that kidnapped two Americans and killed another in the southern Philippines.

US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone said the reward is for any or all of five Abu Sayyaf leaders, including the man accused of masterminding a raid last year on a resort during which the group kidnapped three Americans - one of whom was later beheaded - and 17 Filipinos.

Ricciardone appealed to tipsters to call an embassy hotline or a toll-free number in the United States. He said the size of the reward, up to five million US dollars, would be decided by a US committee.

The Muslim extremist group has been linked to the al-Qaida terrorist network. It is infamous for beheading hostages and captive soldiers - and sometimes filming the murders.

The Abu Sayyaf, who are conducting a guerrilla war against the Philippine army on Basilan, are thought to number less than 100.

The group says it is fighting to create a Muslim state in the southern Philippines, home to the country's large Muslim minority.

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