Indon hostages in Philippines released

Militants from the Abu Sayyaf rebel group in the Philippines have releaseed four Indonesian sailors held since April 15.

Four Indonesian sailors held by suspected Islamic militants in the Philippines have been released.

"They are in good health," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday.

Militants believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf rebel group seized the four from their tugboat in waters off the Philippines province of Tawi-Tawi on April 15.

Earlier this month, Abu Sayyaf released 10 Indonesian sailors seized from another tugboat after holding them for more than a month.

Indonesian officials have denied any ransom was paid for the release of the 10.

Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be holding several more captives in the jungles of Jolo, including Canadian, Norwegian, Filipino and Dutch nationals, as well as four Malaysian sailors.

The militants have been blamed for some of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the Philippines, as well as high-profile kidnappings of foreigners.


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Source: AAP



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