JOLO ISLAND, Philippines — Twelve Filipino Christians taken hostage three months ago by a Muslim separatist group in the southern Philippines were rescued Oct. 2.
Their release came after another evangelist taken hostage, Fernando Solon, escaped from the Abu Sayyaf rebels on Oct. 1 and led Filipino troops to his captors’ hiding place on Jolo island.
The 13 evangelists with the group Jesus Miracle Crusade were taken hostage in July after traveling to Jolo island to pray with hostages kidnapped in April from a Malaysian diving resort. Their captors are a rebel group fighting for a separate Muslim nation within the predominantly Catholic Philippines.
Three Malaysians, a Filipino and one American remain hostage.
Two French journalists escaped from the separatist group Sept. 19.
Share with others: