Posted on 04/19/2003 8:07:10 PM PDT by miltonim
2 kidnapped preachers escape
ZAMBOANGA - Two Christian preachers, abducted by Abu Sayyaf rebels in the Philippines last year, escaped during a firefight between the military and their captors, President Gloria Arroyo said yesterday.
Filipinas Emily Mantic and Cleofe Mantulo gave their captors the slip late on Friday during the fight on southern Jolo island, said Mrs Arroyo. The women were among six Jehovah's Witnesses preachers abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in August last year.
Two men were beheaded and the military says the rebels are still holding two women.
'Two more hostages of the Abu Sayyaf escaped in Sulu in the middle of fighting with our marines and army forces,' Mrs Arroyo told a news conference in Manila. 'I commend our troops for keeping up the pressure. The ensuing confusion in the enemy camp enabled the two women to abscond. The terrorists are nearing the end of the road.'
Military chief Narciso Abaya said: 'We will not stop the rescue until all the hostages are freed.' -- AFP
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