Philippines army frees three hostages

Abu Sayyaf have executed several of their hostages

The Philippines army has rescued three hostages from the Abu Sayyaf Muslim separatist group, following clashes with the rebels on the southern island of Basilan.

The three Filipinos, who are all farmers, were freed late on Friday.

The rescue followed the execution of two hostages by the rebels, officials said.

The group also said they had executed an American captive, but this was not independently confirmed.

The army have to battle difficult terrain as they track the rebels

The Abu Sayyaf are still holding 18 hostages, including two American missionaries.

Troops have been taking part in a massive search operation for over two months.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has ordered an investigation into the allegations that senior military officers have allowed the rebels to escape capture in return for a share of any ransom money raised by the kidnapping.

The three freed men, who were all members of the same family, were seized along with 12 other workers on a coconut and coffee plantation on 11 June.

Their release followed a series of clashes between the Abu Sayyaf and the army in Lantawan town, during which two rebels were captured.

The head of one of the task forces on Basilan, Colonel Hermogenes Esperon, said troops were closing in all the time on the rebels.

"They are losing areas to manoeuvre and we now know some of their hiding places," he said.

Several days ago the rebels seized a further 11 people from a hospital in Lamitan town, also on the island of Basilan.

And also last week the Abu Sayyaf abducted 33 people from the village of Balobo in Lantawan, 10 of whom have been beheaded.

This in turn followed a raid at the end of May on a beach resort where the guerrillas seized 20 people, including three Americans.

The rebels say one of those - Californian Guillermo Sobero - they have since beheaded.

Several of those hostages have been released and at least four were killed.