MNLF fighters rescue 3 foreign hostages from Abu Sayyaf captivity—radio report

MANILA, Philippines—Fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front have rescued three foreign hostages held by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu province, a radio report said early Thursday.

The foreign hostages were not named.

MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla refused to say if Jordanian television journalist Baker Atyani was among the rescued hostages, according to the radio report.

The Abu Sayyaf group is believed to be still holding two European bird watchers and Japanese treasure hunter Mamaito Katayama.

The MNLF has clashed with Abu Sayyaf in its bid to pressure the bandit group into releasing their captives. The clash has resulted in 26 fighters killed from both sides.