Abu Sayyaf calls for formal peace talks with the new Estrada administration and an amnesty for its incarcerated members. Former President Ramos refused to negotiate with the rebel group, asserting that they are terrorists. Abu Sayyaf is reported to have around 700 members (Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 07/02/98). Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan (the target of a recent attack by some MNLF members) blames SPCPD Chairman Nur Misuari for the breakdown of peace and order in Sulu’s capital city, Jolo. He asserts that the province remains poor and suffers from a lack of development (Ibid.).