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.