Kidnapped Philippines teachers freed

Four teachers who were kidnapped in the southern Philippines have been released unharmed near the city of Marawi in the north of Mindanao island.

Three of the four women were later met by president Gloria Arroyo, who has embarked on a high-profile campaign against kidnapping.

The army said military pressure led to the releases.

The four women were abducted two weeks ago from Mindanao State University reportedly by disgruntled former university security guards.

Local officials said a ransom of nearly $4,000 was paid.

The kidnappers had demanded up to ten times this amount. Their demands had been rejected by president Gloria Arroyo.

Correspondents say kidnap for ransom is a thriving business in the Philippines, earning gangs up to $1m a year.

Groups linked to the Muslim Abu Sayyaf are still holding three Indonesian sailors and four Philippine women on the southern Island of Jolo.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service