Zamboanga City, Philippines - Islamic militants freed a kidnapped humanitarian worker after holding her hostage for two months in the southern Philippines, police said Saturday.

Millet Mendoza was among five workers of non-governmental organizations abducted September 15 by Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila.

The other hostages, including the programme coordinator of an NGO serving poor communities in Basilan, were freed separately ahead of Mendoza.

The provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Salik Macapantar, said Mendoza was freed Friday evening in a remote district in Albarka town.

The Abu Sayyaf initially demanded 7 million pesos (143,000 dollars) for Mendoza's release.

Macapantar said he did not know if any ransom was paid.

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)