KARUNA SHINSHO, CNN ANCHOR: The Philippine government says the time for talking to the Abu Sayyaf is over. Thousands of troops have been told to wage an all-out war against the militant group, which is holding 28 hostages on the southern island of Basilan. John Raedler gives us an update.</s>JOHN RAEDLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Preparing for battle on the southern Philippine island of Basilan. The mission of these Philippines marines: to pursue a guerrilla group holding more than two dozen hostages. The group claims to have beheaded one of the captive, American Guelmo Sobero, but this general says -- quote -- "Up to now, we don't have any confirmation of the beheading of Sobero." At the same time, the military spokesman says he is not prepared to believe the guerrilla's claims about Sobero until physical evidence of the killing is found or until reliable witnesses come forward. The military now has 2,000 to 3,000 troops in Basilan and is deploying civilian militia. They are pursuing several hundred guerrillas.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): The problem with guerrilla warfare is that they can blend with the community. If they can just hide their arms, they can be part of the community.</s>RAELDER: As pursuit unfolds, it is worth remembering perhaps that past kidnappings by these guerrillas have taken not days to solve, not weeks, but months. John Raedler, CNN, Manila.
Philippine Government Says Time for Talking to Abu Sayyaf is Over