Abu Sayyaf militant group in Philippines frees 4 Indonesian nationals

Abu Sayyaf militant group in the Philippines has freed four other Indonesian nationals abducted on March 15, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said here on Wednesday.

"Thank God, finally four Indonesians kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf group can be freed,"President Widodo said at the State palace.

The four are now with the authorities of the Philippines and will be immediately flown to Indonesia, said Widodo.

President Widodo expressed gratitude to the government of the Philippines for its cooperation in efforts to free the hostages.

The release of the four made the mission to free all 14 Indonesian nationals abducted by the group accomplished.

Earlier this month, 10 Indonesians nationals were freed by the Abu Sayyaf militant group, a week after it beheaded a Canadian.

The four Indonesian were abducted by gunmen in the Philippine waters weeks after the abduction of their 10 fellows from Indonesia.

(APD)