May (Web-only) 2002

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At anniversary of abduction, bad news for Burnhams
Expect many media outlets to offer articles on the one year anniversary of Martin and Gracia Burnham's abduction by the militant Muslim Abu Sayyaf group, which arrives on Monday. Weblog will round up these stories Tuesday (sorry, no postings on Memorial Day). But several articles are already appearing. The Washington Times has already published its one-year retrospective of what's happened, noting that it's not much. "The Burnhams appear no closer to freedom today than the day they were captured," writes Marc Lerner. Philippine media outlet ABS-CBN News also summarizes the last year, but adds one sad latest note: the Abu Sayyaf's other hostage, Filipina nurse Ediborah Yap is reportedly suffering from severe Stockholm syndrome, and recently married one of the guerrilla leaders, Esnilon Hapilon.

Other news reports are contradictory and full of rumor. The Philippine media says Martin Burnham is so seriously ill that he's being carried on a stretcher, but New Tribes Mission denies the report. "Martin has a mild case of malaria, and is not being carried on a stretcher," a mission spokesman told The Orlando Sentinel. "We believe it is not as serious as is being reported." Another story, that different factions in the Abu Sayyaf were fighting over a ransom paid for the Burnhams, was denied by Abu Sayyaf commander Abu Sabaya. "What I can say only is that the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has run out of issues and they are making (this) up," he said on the local radio station. He did not allow the radio station to speak directly to the Burnhams, only saying that they "are in good condition."

In another development, police yesterday arrested Noor Mohammad Umog, reportedly head ...