Filipino police hostage freed

Communist rebels in southern Philippines have freed a policeman seized nearly three months ago during an attack on Mindoro island in which six other people were killed.

The release comes only three days before the National Democratic Front -- which comprises fourteen Marxist rebel groups -- is due to resume peace talks with the Philippines government in the Netherlands.

The rebels at first said they would try the policeman on charges of murder and torture, but decided to free him as a gesture prior to the talks.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service