Swiss national rescued from Philippine rebels

Manila, Dec 6 (IANS) A Swiss national was rescued from the Abu Sayyaf militant group Saturday after being held hostage for more than two years, the Philippine security forces said.

Lorenzo Vinceguerre, 49, is one of the two European bird watchers held by the militants in the Sulu province, Xinhua reported.

He was reportedly injured during the rescue operation in a village of Patikul town, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command Captain Rowena Muyuela said.

“While he was running away he was shot by a member of the rebel group,” she added.

Vinceguerre was said to be in a stable condition.

The military said there were more than 10 hostages still held in captivity by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.