Manila - Islamic militants on Thursday freed one of two abducted humanitarian workers after 45 days in captivity in the southern Philippines, police and local officials said.

The freed hostage was identified as Esperancita Hupida, programme coordinator of a non-government organization serving poor communities in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila.

Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, a regional police commander, said Hupida was released at dawn by Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels in a remote village in Tipo-Tipo town.

Hupida's husband fetched her from the area, upon instructions from the guerrillas, according to Basilan Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakalahul.

Both officials declined to say if ransom was paid for Hupida's release. The Abu Sayyaf had demanded 2 million pesos (40,800 dollars) for her freedom.

Hupida was abducted with four other humanitarian workers on September 15. Three were freed hours later, while one female NGO worker, Millet Mendoza, remains in captivity.

"With God's providence, I survived," a pale Hupida told reporters in nearby Zamboanga City where she was brought after her release.

She said she was treated fairly, but her captors had threatened to cut off a finger if ransom was not paid. She could not say if authorities gave in to the demand.

Hupida said Mendoza was being kept in a different safehouse.

Basilan province is a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf rebels, who have been blamed for numerous kidnappings for ransom and terrorist attacks in the Philippines. (dpa)