MANILA, Feb. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) Friday warned journalists against going to the island province of Sulu and interview rebel leaders who engaged the government forces in more than a week of fighting early this month.

¡¡¡¡AFP information chief Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual made the warning after getting information that leaders of the Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) are inviting reporters in Sulu for an exclusive interview.

    "The AFP got report that key leaders of the ASG and MBG are inviting media reporters for exclusive interview in Sulu. Please do not accept this offer. The ASG had done this before that resulted to abduction of press people," said Pascual.

    Pascual was referring to the abduction of French journalists covering 21 mostly foreign hostages held captive by the Abu Sayyaffrom the Sipadan diving resort in Malaysia in 2000. The journalists were freed after a payment of ransom.

    In separate incidents, the Abu Sayyaf also held captive Filipino TV journalists, Arlene dela Cruz and Maan Macapagal in Basilan and Sulu respectively in 2000. There are reports that ransom was also paid to secure the release of the two.

    "The military operation is ongoing against these terrorists, your cooperation will speed up our task. Remember, the ASG and theMBG are ruthless killers," Pascual said.

    Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron is among those who joined the forces of MBG, composed of followers of former Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari, in attacking government installations last Feb. 6 in Sulu, sparking the week-long clash.

    Military officials said pursuit operations are still ongoing against the group of Sahiron and MBG leaders Habier Malik since the capture of the rebels' main camp in the village of Panamao town Tuesday. Enditem ¡¡