The Philippine government rules out any ransom negotiations over kidnapped Australian Warren Rodwell, and says it will continue with its operations until Rodwell is safely rescued.

Four men who wore police uniforms stormed into Rodwell's house in a village near the seaside town of Ipil in Mindanao region on December 5.

''The Philippine government has a strict no-ransom policy and will not negotiate with terrorists,'' said Army Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

''Our operation is continuing and we will not stop until the hostage is recovered safely,'' Colonel Cabangbang told The Age.

The military's statement was issued after the release of a videotaped plea by Rodwell for Australian and Philippine authorities to help raise a US$2-million ransom for his freedom.

The Age got a copy of the video and some photographs showing Rodwell has an injury to his right hand.

The injury, which has been infected, is believed to have been caused by a gunshot wound.

Southern region army chief Noel Coballes has confirmed that Rodwell's captor is Puruji Indama, a commander of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang.

Various media reports indicate the video was taken on Dec. 12 and sent to Rodwell's Filipina wife just before Christmas. Rodwell's present condition is unknown.

Rodwell's wife Miraflor Gutang, 27, has called on the government to assist her husband, saying she does not have the money to pay the ransom.

Gutang and Rodwell met on the internet and got married in June last year.

Rodwell, 53, is a former Australian soldier and frequent world traveller.

In the video, Rodwell is seen pleading for his family to ''raise the $US2 million they are asking for my release as soon as possible.''

''The only solution to ensure my safety is to go with whatever they need,'' he said.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer contacted the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Thursday, but the office declined to comment on the progress of the situation.

"Our primary focus remains Mr. Rodwell's welfare," the department said in a statement released to PDI.

"Our embassy in the Philippines is working closely with local authorities with support from a whole-of-government task force in Canberra," it added.