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.