MANILA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Abu Sayyaf Group has released a Filipino hostage after about one year in captivity in southern Philippine province of Sulu, military said Wednesday.
Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Armed Force of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command, said that kidnap victim Araji Maani was freed Wednesday at around 10:45 a.m. local time at the vicinity of Wanih Piyanjihan village in Parang, Sulu.
Maani was kidnapped on July 27 last year in Zamboanga City.
Tan said that the victim is undergoing counselling before being turned over to his family.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits, known for their notoriety, are still holding nine foreigners, including a Norwegian, and three locals. They threatened to execute the Norwegian if their demand for ransom is not met.
The group recently beheaded two Canadian nationals they seized, along with the Norwegian and a female Filipino, from a posh resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte.
