Filipino hostages rescued

Filipino hostages rescued

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Philippine soldiers have rescued three Filipinos from 21 hostages held by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas on the island of Basilan, the local military commander said Saturday.

Colonel Hermogenes Esperon, head of one of the task forces on the southern island, said elite marines recovered the three men late Friday after a series of clashes with the rebels on the outskirts of Basilan's capital Isabela.

The three are undergoing questioning at an army base in Basilan to see if they can provide any information that will help in pursuing the Abu Sayyaf, who are holding two Americans.