An Indonesian hostage held by Muslim militants in the southern Philippines has swum his way to freedom but another drowned while a Malaysian was shot in the back while escaping, officials said. The remaining captives include a Dutch bird watcher, Elwold Horn, who was kidnapped by the militants in 2012, and two Filipinos. The marines gunned down three Abu Sayyaf captors who were trying to chase the two Indonesians at sea, military officials said. Government forces surrounded Simusa island, where a small community thrives near mangroves , to hunt down the remaining Abu Sayyaf gunmen. The Malaysian was airlifted to Zamboanga city, where he was in critical condition in a hospital, military officials said.

Source: Stuff April 06, 2019 08:37 UTC