RP rebels free teacher, 2 children

RP rebels free teacher, 2 children

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP): Abu Sayyaf guerrillas have
released unharmed a teacher and her two children from 12 days of
captivity in a forest in the southern Philippines, officials said
on Monday.

Military officials said the three were freed without ransom
Saturday in Sumisip in Basilan province after local officials
negotiated with the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas.

Army troops are now hunting the rebels, officials said.

The teacher, Leticia Pascual, and her four children were taken
at gunpoint from their home in Basilan's capital town of Isabela
by about 60 Abu Sayyaf rebels on Nov. 6. Two of the children were
abandoned by the rebels for unknown reasons and recovered by the
military.