Philippines rescues three Malaysians held hostage by Abu Sayyaf

Philippine troops have rescued three Malaysians held captive by Abu Sayyaf rebels, the military said on Monday, the second such operation in four days as security forces step up offensives against the notorious Islamist group. The three men were kidnapped from a ship eight months ago, and their rescue means no other Malaysians are currently held hostage as two others were rescued at sea last week. The military said the three Malaysians were rescued on Jolo island in the southern Philippines on Sunday but gave no details of the operation.