Well-known Abu Sayyaf rebel chieftains with past terrorist records staged a prison riot Monday in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, south of Manila, National Capital Region Police Office Director Avelino Razon said.

Razon said the rebels have been ordered to surrender by 2:00 pm,or face an assault by the military.

He said Abu Sayyaf commander Alhamzer Limbong alias Kumander Kosovo and Habil Dellosa, both suspects in the Superferry 14 bombing in February 2004 in Mindanao which killed 130 people, organized other Abu Sayyaf rebels in seizing control of at least one floors of the four-storey prison building run by the Bureau ofJail Management and Penology.

At least three policemen were killed by the rioters who grabbed guns from their victims during breakfast time and took control of the second floor of the building.

He said all 125 inmates holed up in the prison facility are members of the Abu Sayyaf group including prominent leaders Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot and Nadzmie Saabdullah alias Commander Global.

It is not known how many inmates are taking part in the riot and how many taken hostage. But earlier reports said about 10 persons staged the riot.

Reports said only one of the inmates has been allowed to leave the prison building.

"Right now, we are still negotiating with the group to release some of the sick and old inmates. As soon as we do this, we will proceed to the next step (of operations)," Razon said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Kosovo is on trial for the Supeferry 14 bombing and the kidnapping of American tourists and workers from the Dos Palmas resort in Palawan in May 2001. He is also accused of beheading American hostage Guillermo Sobero.

He was arrested in March last year for allegedly planning to plant bombs in Metro Manila.

US authorities have asked for Kosovo's extradition to the United States on charges of hostage-taking and murder.

Razon said police negotiators have a direct line with the leaders of the inmates who have previously demanded to talk to Anak Mindanao party-list Representative Mujiv Hataman and Muslim actor Robin Padilla.

Hataman and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Parouk Hussin arrived in Camp Bagong Diwa. Reports said they are awaiting instructions for negotiations with the inmates.

Director General Arturo Lomibao, newly installed Philippine National Police chief, said he had talked over the radio to a certain "Ka Lando", leader of the inmates, who demanded that police cease firing at them.

"[ Ka Lando] said he wanted us to stop the attack and I told him that he should first lay down his arms because he is endangering so many people inside the jail," said Lomibao in a radio DZMM interview.

Lomibao said he has instructed Razon, Metro Manila police chief,to ensure the safety and security of any hostages taken by the inmates.

He said at least 500 police and military troops have been stationed outside the prison facility. Police helicopters and an armored personnel carrier were also deployed in the area.

Witnesses said heavily armed police, some wearing gas masks, were taking up positions near the building's entrances.

The riot follows a series of bomb attacks on Valentine's Day onFeb. 14 that were claimed responsibility for by the Abu Sayyaf.

Fighting is continuing between government troops and men of Abu Sayyaf group and the Moro National Liberation Front in the southern island of Jolo.

Source: Xinhua