The US helped run down the Abu Sayyaf group holding American hostages by getting to the local people who were supplying the rebels with food and other supplies. A backpack with hidden transmitters was passed to the rebels and this allowed the army to pinpoint the rebel group and stage an attack. Recon aircraft were able to film the attack, as well as other attacks. 

A gun battle near the capital left five NPA rebels and four soldiers dead. 

A prominent Abu Sayyaf leader and spokesman surrendered to the army and offered to testify against his former comrades.