61.   To discourage frequent kidnappings by bandits and rebel groups in the southern Philippines, the Philippine government frowns on ransom payments.

62.   Under a law aimed at stemming the number of kidnappings, the assets of victims and their families are frozen to prevent ransom payments.

63.   Whenever hostages are released, there are rumors about possible ransom payments, but the parties involved rarely provide details.

64.   While Soffiantini was being held captive, a policeman posing as a go-between with the ransom payment was shot to death when the abductors realized they had been fooled.

65.   He refrained from commenting on any ransom payment.

66.   His abductors did not get any ransom payments.

67.   However, upon freeing him, they took his daughter, Elizabeth, who was delivering the ransom payment for her father, the NBI official said.

68.   However, Takano refrained from commenting on any ransom payment.

69.   A third American, Guillermo Sobero, was earlier beheaded by the rebels but most of the Filipino hostages escaped or were freed after alleged ransom payments.

70.   Abu Sayyaf have made grandiose political demands in previous kidnappings but in all cases have settled for hefty ransom payments in the end.