Faced with an Abu Sayyaf threat to kill one of their American hostages if the government did not allow two Malaysians to join the team of negotiators, president Arroyo gave in at the last minute. But Arroyo refused the rebels other demand, that troops be pulled off Basilan island. The rebels said they would postpone the execution of their hostage. But at the same time, Abu Sayyaf on Basilan attacked a Christian village and seized fifteen civilians to use as human shields.