1.   The government firmly opposes paying ransom to guerrillas.

2.   President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Sunday that paying ransom would only feed a cycle of kidnappings.

3.   The U.S. State Department has ruled out paying ransom and any deals with the rebels.

4.   The U.S. State Department has ruled out paying ransom.

5.   There had been fears that paying ransoms would encourage guerrillas to take more hostages.

6.   Military spokesman Brigadier General Edilberto Adan said paying ransoms would lead to more kidnappings.