Transcript for June 7, 2002: Rescue attempt of a US missionary couple taken hostage in the Philippines

We're going to begin in the Philippines tonight for more than a year now the US has wondered how we have ever an American missionary couple could be rescued. From a violent well armed anti government group in the southern part of the country the Abu Sayyaf group is though one the Bush Administration is sent the US military after. As part of its campaign against terrorism. Today however Martan Burnham and another hostage were killed in burnhams life grassy it was wounded. In a military operation ABC's mark lift key reports tonight from the Philippines. The bodies of Martin Burnham and nurse Deborah yap were choppered out of the dense jungle today. To a base where American troops have been train Philippine special forces and their efforts to crush the Abu Sayyaf and rescue the hostages. We need someone to kill them or. Ice the burnhams were kidnapped at a Philippine resort last year and held until 230 this afternoon. When elite Philippine scout Rangers zeroed in on a group of about thirty Abu Sayyaf rebels. At first they didn't realize the burnhams were there but after spotting the Americans the troops were given permission by their base commander to attempt a rescue. The rebels fought back the ensuing firefight lasted more than two hours. It wasn't immediately clear if the hostages were shot by their captors or just caught in the crossfire. Our soldiers tried their best. To hold their fire for the safety of the hostages. Both US and Philippine officials say no American troops took part in the rescue attempt though there clearly was a measure of US involvement leading up to the assault. The Filipino troops were armed with the latest American high tech equipment and had been tracking the rebels with the help of US air reconnaissance. ABC news has also learned that three months ago the FBI planted a tracking device. In a package containing 300000 dollars in ransom paid to the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas. It's not known if that device was helpful in the yet. On hearing the news today Martin bird whose father did not blame either Filipinos or Americans for the failed rescue of his son. The real enemy is the upside after. Are ruthless killers Phil and I thank you say one thing. Anybody in Iraq. Tonight graze your Burnham is recovering from late wounds at a Manila hospital. Still a devote missionary she apparently told doctors that the death of her husband was part of God's plan. But he ABC news Manila.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.