1.   Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said the military will not halt the offensive in Basilan.

2.   The military halted the advance eight days ago to consolidate its hold on areas captured from rebels and to clear mines on the way to Jaffna.

3.   The military halted the advance eight days ago to consolidate their hold on the areas captured from rebels and clear mine fields on the route to Jaffna.

4.   The hostages have appealed to the military to halt operations in the area, and negotiators have asked the army to avoid skirmishes that could endanger those held.

5.   The military had halted the advance eight days ago to consolidate its hold on areas captured from rebels and to clear mines on the way to Jaffna.

6.   The military halted arrivals until they completed Camp Delta, where the men have less contact with each other.

7.   The military halted the guerrilla offensive and has been steadily pushing them back with the help of new planes and guns that have sent the national budget into deficit.

8.   The military halted the advance eight days ago to consolidate its hold on areas captured from rebels and to clear mine fields on the way to Jaffna.

9.   The rebels have warned they will behead their five remaining adult male hostages -- including a priest -- if the military does not halt its assault.

10.   They have threatened to behead five more, if the military does not halt the assault.