Philippines: Officials say gunmen have freed the 47 hostages they were holding at a southern Philippine jungle hideout, in exchange for a government pledge they will not be arrested for past murder charges.
Vice Governor Santiago Cane of Agusan del Sur province, said the hostages left the remote jungle encampment on Sunday in Agusan del Sur province aboard two army trucks. The gunmen then surrendered their assault rifles, grenades and ammunition.
Mr. Cane said Joebert Perez, leader of the hostage-takers, signed an agreement with government negotiators to free the hostages in exchange for a pledge that he and his men will not be arrested for past murder charges arising from a violent dispute with a rival clan over land.
The hostages are being taken to hospital for a check-up.
