3 Hostages Escape Muslim Terrorists in Philippines, 1 Drowns

Recovered firearms from kidnappers, aligned with the Muslim terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, following a rescue operation that freed Indonesian hostage Heri Ardiansyah and two others off Simisa island, Sulu Province in the southern Philippines, on April 7, 2019. WestMinCom Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP

MANILA, Philippines—Three hostages held by Muslim terrorists in the southern Philippines made a daring escape that left one drowned, another shot in the back in critical condition, and another safe after swimming to his freedom, officials said.

The two Indonesians and one Malaysian separately escaped while Philippine marines were attempting to rescue them on Simusa island in southern Sulu Province over the last two days, regional military spokesman Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said on April 6.