MANILA // An Indonesian sailor swam to freedom on Wednesday, almost two months after he was abducted from a tugboat in the southern Philippines by Abu Sayyaf militants who threatened to behead him.
Mohammed Sayfan, 28, was rescued by residents on Jolo Island who found him trapped in fishing nets near a mangrove area, said Maj Filemon Tan, a military spokesman.
Mr Sayfan was one of seven crew members abducted from a tugboat near the Philippine border in June. Sixteen other foreign hostages, including nine Indonesians, are still held by the violent extremist group.
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines agreed in May to carry out coordinated patrols in a bid to thwart kidnappings and piracy that has undermined commerce in the region.
A total of 24 Indonesian have been kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf this year, highlighting weak security in the Celebes Sea. Ten of the hostages were freed after ransoms were reportedly paid.
The Philippines said it has stepped up a military offensive against the militants, who earlier this year beheaded two Canadian hostages.
Besides the Indonesians, five Malaysians, one Norwegian, a Dutchman, and at least five Filipinos are also being held by the militants.
Washington and Manila list Abu Sayyaf, which has more than 400 fighters, as a terrorist organisation.
* Associated Press
