It sounded like an unexpected act of charity by Abu Sayyaf rebels, who are holding three Americans and more than 20 Filipinos hostage in the jungles of the southern Philippines. Calling a Mindanao radio station by satellite phone last Tuesday, harsh-voiced rebel spokesman Abu Sabaya said: "As our gift in the celebration of Independence Day, we have released unconditionally Guillermo Sobero" (one of the three American captives). The spokesman then paused before delivering his taunting punchline: "But we have released him without his head." That morning, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was due to oversee Manila's Independence Day parade with its marching...
