The Abu Sayyaf  group that kidnapped tourists from a resort is apparently a small group. The kidnappers phoned in to a radio station and threatened to kill their captives if the government didn't back off. Apparently the rapid and large scale government response to the kidnapping is being felt by the rebels. Abu Sayyaf members are also aware that the government persevered in running down the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers on Jolo. The current hostages were reported to have been seen being brought ashore in Jolo. But the government said these reports did not pan out. The government feels the kidnappers and their hostages were stranded on an island between Palawan and Sulu (because of a lack of  fuel for their boats.)