Rebels swap RP wife for hostages

Rebels swap RP wife for hostages

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Rebels in the southern Philippines agreed on Thursday to swap 15 of 33 hostages for their leader's pregnant wife and year-old daughter who had been snatched in a counter-abduction, the military and the rebels said.

The hostages were seized last month in Basilan province by the Abu Sayyaf extremist group led by Khadaffy Janjalani.

Local army commander Col. Saulito Arumin said a vigilante group, who seized 11 of Janjalani's relatives in a retaliatory move, freed Sherma Janjalani, 26, and her daughter Jasmine after meeting with an unnamed government emissary.

The 15 hostages were slated to be released later on Thursday, rebel spokesman Abu Ahmad said.