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.