Military leaders in the Philippines have dismissed as a bluff a claim by Muslim rebels that they beheaded a US hostage.
Chief military spokesman Brigadier-General Edilberto Adan said: "In the past there have been bluffs and he [Abu Sayyaf rebel spokesman Mr Abu Sabaya] did not carry out what he said he would do. It is possible Mr Sobero is still alive. We are hopeful that he is still alive," he said.
Two bodies were found in Basilan yesterday. But officials identified both as local men and not Mr Guillermo Sobero, one of three Americans seized in May whose execution the rebels announced yesterday.
Philippine President Ms Gloria Arroyo has pledged no let-up in military action against the rebels.
"The Abu Sayyaf is a plague on our race, a curse to their religion," Ms Arroyo said. She said there would be no talks with the rebels through a Malaysian negotiator, as the government had agreed on Sunday, following threats to execute the three Americans.
The rebels seized Mr Sobero, a US missionary couple and 17 Filipinos from a beach resort near Palawan island on May 27th.
After escapes, rescues and fresh seizures, they hold more than two dozen hostages.