The government Monday threatened to attack gunmen holding an American researcher if the hostage isn't freed within 72 hours.
The abduction of Charles Walton has embarrassed President Fidel Ramos, coinciding with his visit to the United States, where he was to meet with President Clinton on Monday.Part of his two-week mission was to persuade foreign investors his country is safe for business. The government had hoped to obtain Walton's release before Monday's meeting in Washington.
Vice President Joseph Estrada said the 60-year-old man from Philadelphia was in good health and it was "just a matter of time" before he is released.
But after meeting with government negotiators on the island where Walton is being held, Estrada said he had given gunmen 72 hours to free Walton or face military intervention.