Hostages recount Philippines escape

Madura and Le Garrec seem in relatively good shape

Two French journalists have been speaking of their escape from Muslim rebels on the island of Jolo in the southern Philippines.

Jean-Jacques Le Garrec, 46, and Roland Madura, 49, fled under the cover of darkness from their captors during an assault by the Philippines military.

"For the last four days, we've been very afraid because of the operations in the field," said Mr Madura, referring to the ongoing military offensive.

We took the opportunity to jump to the side, we hid for some minutes, and after that we ran on the road

Jean Jacques Le Garrec

Philippines President Joseph Estrada, who has been severely criticised over his handling of the hostage crisis, says efforts to free the remaining 17 hostages will be stepped up.

The men recounted their tale at a news conference, describing how they and the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers had been on the run, moving every night, ever since the military rescue operation began.

Escape opportunity

On Tuesday night, as the hostages and their captors attempted to cross a road, confusion broke out among the kidnappers, who were afraid of being spotted by police or soldiers.

"We took the opportunity to jump to the side, we hid for some minutes, and after that we ran on the road," said Jean-Jacques Le Garrec.

The two Frenchmen spent the night hiding in the jungle, shielded from detection by the darkness and rain.

Jolo hostage crisis

April 23 - Rebels seize 21 hostages in Malaysia, take them to Jolo

June 24 - First hostage freed

July 1 - Filipino Christians seized after going to pray for captives

August 27 - More hostages freed after Libya joins talks

September 9 - Last Europeans seized in Malaysia set free

September 10 - More hostages taken in Malaysia

"The noise of the rain gave us the opportunity to move ourselves without being heard," said Mr Le Garrec.

At daybreak they emerged from hiding, ventured out onto the road, and eventually hailed a passing military truck.

Despite their ordeal, both are in relatively good shape, and are expected to be flown to Manila, where they will be taken to the French embassy.

Military criticised

Before their escape, the military operation was severely criticised by the French President Jacques Chirac, who said that it jeopardised the lives of the hostages.

However, speaking after their release, Mr Chirac said he had thanked Mr Estrada personally for their release.

In a statement, Mr Estrada expressed his hopes that an American hostage, Jeffrey Schilling, could be released later on Wednesday.

A further 17 hostages, believed to include Malaysians, Filipinos, and Mr Schilling, remain in captivity.

Military officials believe the remaining hostages are unharmed - but are under increasing danger the longer the operation continues.

A BBC correspondent says the releases are a success for the Philippine army, but that it would be premature to assume that the release of the remaining hostages will follow soon.