MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE) More than negotiation and reprieve, military action would be the most effective solution to the problem of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in southern Philippines, according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's top security and peace advisers.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales and presidential adviser on peace process Avelino Razon both rejected proposals raised by Senator Richard Gordon to give amnesty to the members of the bandit group.

"The very fundamental objective is that this organization should be wiped out, that's definite," Gonzales said in a phone interview.

Interviewed on radio, Razon stressed that as a policy, "we don't negotiate with terrorist groups" like the Abu Sayyaf. He said that government forces would continue to pursue the bandit group "because they should be made accountable for their criminal acts."

Razon said the issue of amnesty for ASG will be discussed by the Cabinet national security cluster and the Department of National Defense.

Gonzales said the government will "evaluate its strategies" on how to focus more in eliminating the group.

Asked if the strategy would involve talks or military action, he said, "It's more military because this kind of group will not listen to talks."

The security chief also noted that any amnesty program with an armed group would require legislation, which he said would necessitate congressional action.

At the Ayes and Nays forum in Quezon City, two lawmakers rejected outright the proposal to grant amnesty for ASG.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Satur Ocampo said amnesty was not the solution but efforts to find out why the group continues to proliferate.

Even with the assistance of the United States through the joint military training under the Balikatan exercises, Ocampo observed that the group has not diminished its strength and has continued to engage in kidnapping activities.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon, vice chairman of the House defense committee, said amnesty for the ASG will demoralize the military, especially those at the frontline of the battles against the group.

"It's like giving them retirement benefits after they have earned so much from their criminal activities," he said.

On the other hand, the proposed amnesty program for members of the New People's Army has been submitted by Malacanang since last year, but Congress has yet to take action on it, Gonzales said.

Razon said that the Abu Sayyaf should stop its kidnapping activities and other atrocities before government would even consider an amnesty for them.

"They are not really qualified because of the terrorist acts they have committed here and international," he said.

The United States and the European Union include the ASG in its list of terrorist groups.

Proposal for amnesty for the ASG was raised after the release of international aid worker Eugenio Vagni over the weekend after seven months in captivity.

Vagni was kidnapped with fellow Internatonal Committee of the Red Cross volunteers Andreas Notter of Switzerland and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba on January 15 while on a mission to improve water and sanitation facility at the Jolo provincial jail.

Lacaba was freed in April and Notter escaped days later.