As I have said elsewhere, alot hinges on the nationality of the hostages.
If they were Americans, all hell would break loose! They may even send the USS George Washington and their own commandos and deal with the situation themselves. The whole place will be swarmed and the American public outcry will be loud and swift. As sure as day turns into night, the Philippines government will be so scared of the Americans, they will kowtow to them and make a full confession.