Philippine group frees hostage

Sun, 21 Oct 2001 | Source: REUTERS

PHILIPPINES: A Chinese hostage held for months by Muslim gunmen on a southern Philippine island was released Friday night after a separatist group that recently agreed to a ceasefire negotiated for his freedom.

The release was made while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was visiting China to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Shanghai.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it had negotiated for the release of Zhang Zhung Yi at the request of Libyan Envoy Salem Adam.

The Chinese government had earlier sought the help of Malaysia and Libya to help free Zhang, MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu told Reuters on Saturday. -- Reuters

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