American’s Captors Demand $10 Million

Muslim rebels who threatened to behead an American man kidnapped in the southern Philippines have demanded $10 million for his release, negotiators said. The State Department, however, has ruled out paying ransom to the Abu Sayyaf rebels for the release of Jeffrey Schilling, 24, of Oakland, who was abducted Sunday. The rebels, who have asked that food and medicine be sent for Schilling, said today that he has begun a hunger strike. Despite their threats to behead Schilling, the rebels pledged not to harm him while negotiations continue. U.S. officials say Schilling has serious health problems.